A heart attack occurs when an area of heart muscle dies or is permanently damaged because of inadequate oxygen supply.
A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted and brain tissue dies. Victims can suffer from lifelong disabilities, speech difficulties, paralysis and even death.
Possible causes
Most heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries (blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart muscle). The clot usually forms in a coronary artery that has been narrowed due to atherosclerosis (inflammation and/or cholesterol buildup).
A clot in the coronary artery interrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, leading to the death of heart cells in that area. The damaged heart muscle loses its ability to contract and the remaining heart muscle needs to work hard to compensate for that weakened area. This overwhelming stress can trigger a heart attack.
Risk factors for coronary artery disease and heart attack include: smoking, high blood pressure, excessive dietary fats, poor blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, being male, being over 40 and heredity.
In many cases, the pain may be subtle or even completely absent (silent heart attack), especially in the elderly and those with diabetes. Often the pain radiates from the chest to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, abdomen and back.
The pain typically lasts for over 20 minutes and is not fully relieved by rest. Other symptoms include: shortness of breath; coughing; dizziness; fainting; nausea/vomiting; sweating; and a feeling of impending doom.
Applied nutrition
| Supplement | Benefit | Suggested Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Essential amino acids help repair body tissues | 1 scoop, 3x daily |
| CoQ10 | Improves heart muscle oxygenation and ,may help prevent heart attacks and follow-on attacks | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Omega 3 | Important for circulation and lowering blood pressure. Protects heart muscle cells and reduces tryglyceride levels in the blood | 2 tabs, 3x daily |
| Garlic + licorice | Beneficial for the heart, promotes circulation and effective in reducing high blood pressure | 2 tabs, 3x daily |
| B Complex | Important for circulatory function and lowering blood pressure. B6 reduces water content in tissues to relieve pressure on the cardiovascular system | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| Calcium + magnesium | Deficiencies have been linked to high blood pressure. If taking high blood pressure drugs, take extra potassium to counteract depletion of calcium. Important for maintaining proper heart rhythm and blood pressure | 2 tabs, 3x daily |
| Vitamin C + bioflavonoids | Improves adrenal function, reduces blood-clotting tendencies | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| Lecithin E | Powerful antioxidants that improve circulation and thins the blood, reducing clotting risk. Lecithin also reduces plaque buildup in the blood vessels | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| Ginkgo biloba + ginseng | Improves circulation | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Green tea extract | Lowers cholesterol and lipid levels | As indicated |