Hypertensive heart disease, which includes coronary artery disease and heart failure, needlessly affects millions of people. Heart disease statistics prove that heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women. A very disturbing heart disease fact reveals that it is the cause of at least 40% of all deaths among Americans, which is more than the amount of deaths caused by all types of cancer combined. Other heart disease statistics reveal that:
- Every 20 seconds a person dies as the result of a heart attack
- 250,000 people suddenly die of a heart attack before ever reaching a hospital
- Approximately six million people are hospitalized each year due to heart disease
- Research in the U.S. and Britain reveals that young women are dying of heart disease in increasing numbers
Definition of Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive heart disease is characterized by an enlargement of the heart due to the presence of high blood pressure.
Causes of Hypertensive Heart Disease
Those who are unfamiliar with hypertensive heart disease information may be surprised to know that its development is almost completely avoidable through healthy lifestyle choices. Though men die from heart attacks more often, when it comes to heart disease, women are the most susceptible to it.
Heart disease is caused by a number of factors including, but not limited to:
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Hardening of the arteries
- Poor lifestyle habits
- High cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Diabetes
Symptoms of Hypertensive Heart Disease
Symptoms of hypertensive heart disease may vary. Anyone experiencing one or more of the following symptoms is advised to seek a medical diagnosis immediately:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness, weakness, tingling or coldness in the extremities
- Fainting
- Palpitations
- An abnormally slow or fast heartbeat
- Skin discoloration
- Fluid retention and swelling, especially in the feet and ankles
- Fatigue
- Unexplained fever
Home Remedies for Hypertensive Heart Disease
Remedies for Heart Disease:
- Eliminate salt consumption
- Stop smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Lose weight
- Exercise daily (Walking, yoga and tai chi are highly recommended for their physical and mental benefits)
- Consume a diet of fresh vegetables and fruits (Especially those high in fiber)
- Avoid processed foods, fast food, foods with artificial ingredients, chemical additives and unnatural sweeteners
- Increase Vitamin C and E intake
Specific foods that have healthy heart benefits include:
- Apples
- Grapes
- Grapefruit
- Beet juice
- Raw onion juice
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Raw garlic
Herbs that aid in healthy heart functioning include:
- Parsley tea
- Alfalfa juice
Specific foods that should be avoided include:
- Fatty meats
- Egg yolks
- Refined flour
- White sugar
- Canned and frozen foods
Perhaps the best remedy for hypertensive heart disease is protecting the heart from ever developing it in the first place. This is done by targeting a holistic lifestyle that includes the proper balancing of the mind, the body and the spirit, which helps in keeping blood pressure at normal levels. Eating a healthy diet, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminates all manner of junk foods and processed foods; getting adequate amounts of rest and exercise; engaging in relaxing activities that soothe the mind and the spirit are all tools in creating a lifestyle that guards against hypertensive heart disease.
Anyone who thinks they may have developed hypertensive heart disease is advised to seek immediate and thorough medical attention. Natural remedies for heart disease should be discussed with a doctor and are perfectly safe to use in tandem with a physicians recommendations for treatment.
