Ischemia Health Article

Alternative treatment

Ischemia can be life-threatening. Although there are alternative treatments for angina, traditional medical care may be necessary. Prevention of the cause of ischemia, primarily atherosclerosis, is primary. This becomes even more important for people with a family history of heart disease. Dietary modifications, especially the reduction or elimination of saturated fats (primarily found in meat), are essential. Increased fiber (found in fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and beans) can help the body eliminate excessive cholesterol through the stools. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is essential for circulation health. Not smoking will prevent damage from smoke and the harmful substances it contains.

Abana, a mixture of herbs and minerals used in ayurvedic medicine, can reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks. Western herbal medicine recommends hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata or C. oxyacantha) to relieve long-term angina, since it strengthens the contractility of the heart muscles. Nutritional supplements and botanical medicines that act as antioxidants, for example, vitamins C and E, selenium, gingko (Gingko biloba), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), and hawthorn, can help prevent initial arterial injury that can lead to the formation of plaque deposits. Cactus (Cactus grandiflorus) is a homeopathic remedy used for pain relief during an attack. Mind/body relaxation techniques such as yoga and biofeedback can help control strong emotions and stress.

Prognosis

In many cases, ischemia can be successfully treated, but the underlying disease process of atherosclerosis is usually not "cured." New diagnostic techniques enable doctors to identify ischemia earlier. New technologies and surgical procedures can prevent angina from leading to a heart attack or TIA from resulting in a stroke. The outcome for patients with silent ischemia has not been well established.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle, including eating right, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, drinking in moderation, not using illegal drugs, controlling hypertension, and managing stress are practices that can reduce the risk of ischemia progressing to a heart attack or stroke.

A healthy diet includes a variety of foods that are low in fat, especially saturated fat; low in cholesterol; and high in fiber. Plenty of fruits and vegetables should be eaten and sodium should be limited. Fat should comprise no more than 30% of total daily calories. Cholesterol should be limited to about 300 mg and sodium to about 2,400 mg per day.

Moderate aerobic exercise lasting about 30 minutes four or more times per week is recommended for maximum heart health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. Three 10-minute exercise periods are also beneficial. If any risk factors are present, a physician's clearance should be obtained before starting exercise.

Maintaining a desirable body weight is also important. People who are 20% or more over their ideal body weight have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke.

Smoking has many adverse effects on the heart and arteries, so should be avoided. Heart damage caused by smoking can be improved by quitting. Several studies have shown that ex-smokers face the same risk of heart disease as non-smokers within five to ten years of quitting.

Excessive drinking can increase risk factors for heart disease. Modest consumption of alcohol, however, can actually protect against coronary artery disease. The American Heart Association defines moderate consumption as one ounce of alcohol per day—roughly one cocktail, one 8-ounce glass of wine, or two 12-ounce glasses of beer.

Commonly used illegal drugs can seriously harm the heart and should never be used. Even stimulants like ephedra and decongestants like pseudoephedrine can be harmful to patients with hypertension or heart disease.

Treatment should be sought for hypertension. High blood pressure can be completely controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. Stress, which can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, should also be managed. While it cannot always be avoided, it can be controlled.

BOOKS

American Heart Association. Heart Attack Treatment, Prevention, Recovery. New York: Time Books, 1996.

"Angina." In The Alternative Advisor: The Complete Guide to Natural Therapies & Alternative Treatments. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1997.

"Coronary Heart Disease (Arteriosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease; Ischemic Heart Disease)." In Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 1998. 37th ed. Ed. Stephen McPhee, et al. Stamford: Appleton & Lange, 1997.

DeBakey, Michael E. and Antonio M. Gotto Jr. "Coronary Artery Disease" and "Stroke." In The New Living Heart. Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation, 1997.

Iskandrian, A. S., and Mario S. Verani. "Scintigraphic Techniques in Acute Ischemic Syndromes." In Nuclear Cardiac Imaging: Principles and Applications. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis, 1996.

PERIODICALS

Geraci, Ron, and Duane Swierczynski. "Short Strokes." Men's Health, Sept. 1997, 56.

"How Mental Stress Taxes the Heart." Harvard Health Letter (Mar. 1997): 2.