Preventing Heart Attack and Stroke

There are many health care professionals, today, that still focus on treating disease once it is diagnosed. They're still not getting the big picture and miss 90% of silent disease. While early detection is key, prevention is equally important in guaranteeing a longer, healthier life. By focusing on preventive treatment, my patients don't experience unexpected illnesses or surprise deaths.

Preventing Heart Attack and Stroke

We can now conclusively predict who is most likely to become the victim of a stroke or heart attack, even though the majority of patients who die of a sudden heart attack have few or no symptoms. For example, a major study of 28,000 women at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital provided conclusive evidence that painless inflammation of heart and blood vessels is a major trigger of heart attacks - even more so than high cholesterol. Women with high levels of inflammation are twice as likely as those with high cholesterol to die from heart attacks and strokes.

The collective condition known as "cardiovascular disease" refers to disorders of the heart as well as the vascular system. Below are signs and symptoms that you want to be on the lookout for; and if they occur, talk to your doctor immediately.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

• A sudden onset of sharp pain in an arm, shoulder, the back, stomach, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Sudden dizzy spells
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Nausea
• Anxiety

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, which may affect only one side of the body
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, or trouble walking
• Severe, sudden headache of unknown cause

A C-reactive protein blood test is one of the simplest ways to identify chronic inflammation that may be smoldering in your body. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is another useful technique for identifying heart disease.
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The key to prolonging good heart health (and overall health) and continuing to lead a vibrant and active life is the ability to identify the aging parts of your body that may already be experiencing the ravages of silent disease.

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Your Waistline Predicts Your Heart Health

You can never start a cardiovascular program soon enough. In assessing your heart attack risk, simply look at the notches on your belt. An increasing waistline is a reliable risk indicator of heart disease.

Bioidentical Hormones

Potential heart disease patients may benefit from preventive hormone therapy, especially testosterone therapy (in men). Testosterone and other hormones strengthen the heart muscle, which will aid in heart contraction and improve the heart's pumping ability. DHEA may help protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Contact our office for an appointment to discuss further hormone therapies.

Natural Supplements For a Younger Heart

• Fish oil
• Niacin
• Taurine
• Inositol
• Melatonin
• B-complex vitamins
• Policosanol
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Amsa (Indian gooseberry)
• Pomegranate
• Irvingia
• Dietary fiber

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Dietary Modifications For a Healthy Heart

By following a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy whole grains, and plenty of low-fat protein (including eggs, which are a perfect protein source rich in amino acids), you may lose excess weight that can contribute to heart disease and stroke. You also need to eat foods that are low in sodium, which will naturally reduce internal swelling and water retention. For more information on my Braverman Protocol and Rainbow Diet, you can read my book, The Amazing Way to Reverse Heart Disease Naturally. But a yearly exam that includes early detection tests is a must. 

At PATH Medical, we can help you with all of your health, dietary, and supplemental needs.