Medical Management of Heart Disease

The care of a physician is important in the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of heart disease. An initial physical examination screens for all {hrt_disease_identify_risks} lifestyle and medical risks that contribute to coronary heart disease. {fats} Blood lipid levels and {bp_values} blood pressure values are measured. Regular follow-ups are advised based upon age, risk profile and medical conditions. When there are abnormalities, further {hrt_disease_dx} diagnostic testing may be warranted. Along with evaluation, monitoring and referral coordination, the physician prescribes drug therapies and provides counseling to minimize risk and disease progression.

For those who require drug therapy, a brief review of the most common medications used to treat heart disease is included below. Be sure to discuss any questions you have about treatment goals and prescribed therapies with your physician.

Drug Therapies

Anticoagulants Commonly called 'blood thinners,' anticoagulants help prevent blood clots
Aspirin:	A small aspirin is often recommended for people who have had a heart attack, stroke or unstable angina. Aspirin therapy can help prevent recurrent attacks. For those who have many heart disease risk factors, a physician may prescribe aspirin therapy in hopes of preventing an initial heart attack. Side effects include stomach irritation, excessive bleeding and undesirable interactions between aspirin and other medications.
Coumadin:	Coumadin is a stronger drug that reduces the risk of blood clots forming. It may be prescribed when the heart is not pumping blood well and blood moves inefficiently. Vitamin K interacts with coumadin, so be sure to discuss your intake of vitamin K rich food sources with your physician.

Nitrates

Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina pectoris. It acts to reduce the workload of the heart in two ways. First, it widens the coronary arteries, thus increasing the flow of blood to the heart. Second, it relaxes veins that return blood to the heart when taken in a sublingual (under the tongue) tablet. Other preparations are designed to prevent attacks. These preparations come in a pill form or in a nitroglycerine patch that is worn on the skin.

Vitamin Therapy

Vitamin C and vitamin E may be prescribed as supplements because of their antioxidant properties. Vitamin B3, niacin or nicotinic acid relaxes and dilates (expands) blood vessels to improve blood flow. Be sure to check with your physician to assess if vitamin supplements are appropriate for you. Vitamins, if used, should be taken in safe and recommended amounts. Mega-dosing certain vitamins may hold negative consequences.

Lipid Lowering Agents Common drug selections to lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Classification	Medications	Drug Actions
Statins	Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin, Cerivastatin	Controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body.
Bile Acid Resins	Cholestyramine, Colestipol	Binds cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestines, then eliminates them in the stool.
Fibrates	Gemfibrozil, Lopid	Primarily used to lower triglycerides.

Blood Pressure Medications Common drug selections to lower blood pressure
Classification	Medications	Drug Actions
ACE Inhibitors	Enalapril, Lisinopril, Captopril	Helps prevent constriction of the arteries.
Calcium Channel Blockers	Verapamil, Diltiazem, Nifedipine	Reduce oxygen demand of the heart muscle. Dilates coronary arteries to increase oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
Beta-Blockers	Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol	Reduces heart rate, and reduces oxygen demand of the heart muscle.
Diuretics	Lasix, HCTZ	Increases urine output. This reduces fluid retention, blood volume and blood pressure.

The following supplements are most often indicated with heart problems:

{black_currant}
{cardioplus}
{cardiotrophin}
{chew_catalyn}
{cat_e}
{cat_e2}
{cholaplex}
{circuplex}
{mag_lactate}
{vasculin}
{wheat_germ_oil}
{wheat_germ_oil_fort}

The following reflexes will often be active when the heart is weakened:

{blood_quality_reflex} Blood Quality Reflex
{circulation_reflex} Left Coronary Artery Reflex
{hemoglobin_reflex} Hemoglobin Reflex
{met_sub_heart} Metabolic Heart Reflex Sub-Reflex

These reflexes should be tested and treated with the proper supplementation. You should take this preliminary free test or be examined by a competent practitioner for testing. A liver/gallbladder flush and intestinal detoxification program may also be recommended.

Nerve pressure in the upper thoracic spine can cause heart problems. Go {chiro_adj} here for information regarding chiropractic treatment.

Take this preliminary to see if your cardiovascular system condition could respond to nutritional therapy.