How Can Homeopathy Help In Cardiological Disorders

Cardiovascular disorders or diseases (CVDs)

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death. About 32 percent of all global deaths were due to either heart attack or stroke. They are most common in developing countries. Most of these conditions can be prevented by avoiding certain risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, and the use of alcohol.

Generally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the heart and blood vessels. Almost half of all adults in the world would have at least one form of heart disease. Some lifestyle changes, a healthy balanced diet along with prescribed medications, can help manage most cardiovascular diseases. The sooner the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, the earlier its treatment can be, as it is important to detect the disease as early as possible so that it will be easy to manage.

Cardiovascular disease includes disorders of the heart or blood vessels, such as:

• Narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels in the heart and other parts of the body.
• Congenital heart and blood vessel diseases.
• Valvular dysfunctions of the heart.
• Irregular heartbeats and rhythm.

What are the types of cardiovascular disorders?

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. They are:

• Coronary heart disease: any problem with the blood vessels and blood flow to the heart muscles.
• Cerebrovascular disease: any condition that affects the blood flow or the blood vessels supplying the brain and spinal cord.
• Peripheral arterial disease: any blockage to the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs.
• Rheumatic heart disease: a condition that causes damage to the heart muscle and heart valves. Streptococcal bacteria cause rheumatic fever.
• Congenital heart disease: any heart disorder or heart defect by birth that affects the heart’s normal development and functioning.
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a condition where a clot forms in the vein. Sometimes the blood clots in the veins detach and enter circulation.
• Heart attacks and strokes are acute events caused by any block preventing blood flow to the heart and brain. The leading cause of this condition is a steady build-up of fatty plaque on the inner walls of the blood vessels. In addition, strokes can be brought on by bleeding from a blood vessel inside the brain or blood clots.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disorders

A person is more likely to develop cardiovascular disease if they have the following:

• Family history of heart disease.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Having excess weight or obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• The habit of using tobacco and alcohol.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Diet high in sodium, sugar, and fat.
• Abuse of drugs and medications.
• Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
• Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
• Chronic kidney disease.

There are also several underlying causes of cardiovascular diseases. The increase in cases reflects the socioeconomic and cultural changes due to urbanization, an aging population, poverty, stress, and hereditary factors. The exact cause of CVD is unclear, but many factors can increase your risk of getting it.

• If you are over 40, it is better to go for a complete health check-up every five years.
• Hypertension is one of the most critical risk factors. If the blood pressure is too high, it can damage your blood vessels.
• Smoking and other tobacco use are also a significant risk factor for CVD. It is because they damage and narrow the blood vessels.
• Cholesterol or fat is one of the constituents of the blood. Very high cholesterol can cause the blood vessels to thicken and narrow the lumen of the blood vessels. It will increase the risk of developing a blood clot in circulation.
• Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level becomes high.
• High sugar levels in the blood can damage the blood vessels, making them prone to be narrow.
• Exercising will help keep the heart healthy. In addition, regular exercise or activity can help you maintain a healthy weight combined with a healthy diet plan.
• Being obese increases the risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
• Men are more likely to develop heart diseases earlier than women.

Causes of cardiovascular disorders

The causes of cardiovascular disorders vary depending on the specific type. The steady build-up of fat along the artery walls causes atherosclerosis, leading to coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Coronary artery disease, heart muscle scarring, genetic defects, and certain medications cause arrhythmias. Aging, long-term infections, and rheumatic disease can lead to valvular insufficiencies.

Symptoms of cardiovascular disorders

The symptoms of cardiovascular disease depend on the cause. Older adults and women may have mild symptoms. However, they can still be prone to severe cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms of heart attacks and strokes

A heart attack or stroke can be the first sign of an underlying disease. Symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Pain and discomfort in the chest.
• Pain in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, and back.
• In addition, the person may experience dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, faintness, cold sweating, and paleness of skin. Women are more likely to have symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain than men.
• The most striking symptom of a stroke is a sudden weakness of the face, arm, and leg. It often happens as a partial weakness.

Other symptoms are sudden onset of:

Loss of sensation or numbness on one side of the body.
Confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
Difficulty seeing with one or both eyes.
Difficulty walking, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination.
Severe headache with no known cause.
Fainting or unconsciousness.

Symptoms of heart problems

• Chest pain.
• The Heaviness of chest.
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Fatigue or exhaustion.

Symptoms of blockages in blood vessels and lack of blood flow throughout the body

• Pain or cramps in your legs when walking.
• Leg sores that do not heal.
• Coldness or redness of the skin on the legs.
• Swelling in the legs.
• Partial numbness of the face or a limb.
• Difficulty in speech, seeing, and walking.

Also Read Cardiac Conditions and its Remedies

Types of cardiovascular disorders

Cardiovascular disease is generally used for a group of conditions affecting the heart and its blood vessels. It can lead to complications such as damage to arteries in various vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. There are many different types of CVD. The four main types are described below.

1. Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles is blocked or reduced. It puts increased stress and strain on the heart, leading to the following:

• Angina.
• Heart attacks.
• Heart failure.

2. Strokes and TIAs

A stroke occurs if the blood supply to a part of the brain gets cut off, causing brain damage and sometimes possibly death. A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is the same, but the blood flow to the brain is just temporarily disturbed. The major symptoms of a stroke or TIA are:

• Drooping of the face on one side.
• Weakness and numbness of the arms.
• Slurred speech.

3. Peripheral arterial disease

The peripheral arterial disease occurs when a blockage or lack of blood flow to the arteries that supply the legs. The symptoms are:

• Cramping pain in the leg while walking.
• Loss of hair on the legs and feet.
• Numbness or weakness in the legs.
• Slow healing persistent ulcers on the feet and legs.

4. Aortic diseases

Aortic disease is a condition that affects the aorta. It is one of the largest blood vessels in the body that carries pure blood from the heart to all body parts. An aortic aneurysm or berry aneurysm is an aortic disease where the aortic wall becomes weak and bulges outwards, forming a berry-like tumor. It is mostly asymptomatic, but sometimes it could burst and cause life-threatening bleeding and death.

Other heart conditions are:

There are different types of cardiovascular diseases. Some of the few are mentioned below.

• Arrhythmia: dysfunction of the heart’s electrical conduction system leading to abnormal heart rates and rhythm.
• Valve disease: incompetent or insufficient valvular efficiency.
• Congenital heart disease: heart problems that are present from birth.
• Pericardial disease: any infection or inflammation of the heart’s lining, such as pericarditis and pericardial effusion.
• Cerebrovascular disease: any problems in the blood flow or the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, such as narrowing, clots, or blockages.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is any venous blockage, especially clots.

How are cardiovascular disorders diagnosed?

Cardiovascular disease is diagnosed through routine physical examination, the presenting symptoms, personal history, and family history. Some of the diagnostic tests to diagnose the cardiovascular disease are:

• Complete blood tests to measure the cardiac disease indicators, such as cholesterol, blood sugar levels, prothrombin time, etc.
• An Ankle-brachial index compares the blood pressure in the ankles and arms to diagnose peripheral artery disease.
• An electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram to study the image of the chambers of the heart during the blood flow and heartbeat.
• Ultrasound to check blood flow in your legs or neck.
• Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) is to study the 3D images of the heart and blood vessels.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is to study the detailed images of the heart.
• MR angiogram or CT angiogram to visualize the blood vessels in the legs, head, and neck.
• Stress tests such as a treadmill analyze how physical activity affects the heart in a controlled setting, using exercise or medications.
• Cardiac catheterization uses a catheter to measure pressure and blood flow in the heart.

The prognosis for people with cardiovascular disorders

Many people enjoy a good quality of life by managing their cardiovascular disease with the help and support of their family and loved ones, along with proper treatment and diet plans. The heart can be kept healthy with some lifestyle changes, a well-suited heart-healthy diet, and regular physical activity.

Complications of cardiovascular disorders

Untreated chronic cardiovascular disease can lead to severe complications such as:

• Heart attack and stroke.
• Blockage in the arteries of the leg.
• Ischaemia.
• Aortic dissection.
• Sudden cardiac death.

When should I see the doctor?

Cardiovascular diseases can be easier to treat if diagnosed early. Regular visits to healthcare providers should be made every year for health check-ups. They can identify the condition before the symptoms become severe. If there are any following signs, visit the doctor immediately:

• Chest pain, pressure, heaviness, or discomfort.
• Fainting.
• Severe shortness of breath.
• Pain or numbness in the arms and legs.
• Unbearable back pain.

Cardiovascular disorders- treatments and management

Treatment plans vary depending on the symptoms of an individual and the type of cardiovascular disease the person is suffering from. Cardiovascular disease treatment may include:

• Keeping other health conditions under control, such as the management of hypertension, diabetes and high blood lipids, is necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Have a balanced diet:
  • Take low levels of saturated fat.
  • Intake of low levels of salt and sugar.
  • Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods and whole-grain foods.
  • Take more fruits and fresh vegetables.
• Exercise regularly. Experts advise 150 minutes of moderate weekly activity, such as cycling or walking.
• Try to keep the body weight under control. Regular physical activity or exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight healthily.
• Try to reduce the consumption of alcohol gradually and quit smoking.
• Active monitoring of the heart over time without medications or surgeries.
• Medications to treat risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol or to prevent clots.
• The medications to prevent another stroke or heart attack.
• Medications will depend on what kind of cardiovascular disease you have.
• Procedures or surgeries if medications are not working well. The doctor may advise specific procedures or surgeries such as stents in the heart or leg arteries, minimally invasive heart surgery, open-heart surgery, ablations or cardioversion, heart valve surgery, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
• Cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise program to help your heart get stronger.

Homeopathy medicine for cardiovascular diseases

Homeopathy can be an excellent complementary system of medicines in treating the symptoms of cardiovascular conditions and preventive care. In addition, it can help to prevent complications.

Where the cardiovascular disease is concerned, there are many effective medicines available in homeopathy that can help treat the symptoms of the disease along with conventional medication and surgeries. A suitable remedy for an individual is selected through specific symptoms of the patient, both body and mind, along with the pathological condition. Some of the best homeopathic medicines that can be useful in alleviating the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases are:

1. Aurum metallicum: Aurum metallicum is one of the effective homeopathic medicines for heart diseases. The heart feels loose while walking. It feels as if the heart stopped beating for two or three seconds, followed by a tumultuous rebound with sinking at the epigastrium. Oppression at heart. Pulse rapid, feeble, and irregular. Blood pressure is high.
2. Spigelia anthelmia: It acts on the heart and the nervous system. It has been beneficial in treating conditions such as pericarditis, anemia, debility, poor circulation, palpitations, weak, irregular pulse, murmurs, valve dysfunctions, dyspnea, angina pectoris, etc.
3. Kalium carbonicum: It is indicated for hypertension in obese individuals having a tendency to dropsy and paretic conditions. Vertigo and palpitations while turning head, occipital headaches, or migraine with nausea, especially while traveling.
4. Baryta muriatica: It is regarded as the ‘homeopathic amlodipine.’
5. Digitalis purpurea: Digitalis is an excellent remedy for heart failure with an irregular heartbeat. Sensation as if the heart would stop beating if moved. Must hold the breath and keep still. Pulse full, intermittent, very slow, and weak, intermittent every third, fifth, or seventh beat. Weak heart. The slightest movement causes violent palpitations—frequent stitches in the heart.
6. Strophanthus: It is one of the best remedies to treat heart failure with edema of the legs. The heart’s action is weak, rapid, and irregular due to muscular debility and insufficiency. Pulse rapid, alternating with slow, inefficient, small irregular.
7. Laurocerasus: Laurocerasus is one of the best homeopathic medicines for heart failure with pain in the heart region. There is clutching at heart with palpitations. Pulse weak, variable, slow, or irregular. Urine is retained and suppressed involuntarily with palpitations and suffocations, and fainting.
8. Crataegus oxycantha: Crataegus is considered a homeopathic heart tonic. Heart muscles seem flabby and worn out. Heart weakness with oppression, stitches, and insomnia. Extreme dyspnea on the slightest exertion without much increase of pulse. Heart dilated, first sound weak. Incompetent valves, valvular murmurs.
9. Cardus marianus: Carduus marianus is a helpful homeopathic medicine for heart failure with liver complaints. Pain pressure and stitches in the heart region, oppression on deep breathing.
10. Naja tripudans: Naja is best suited for heart failure with weakness and valvular disorders. Visible palpitations. Damaged heart after infectious diseases.
11. Nux vomica: It is helpful for heart failure in alcoholics. Heart feels tired and palpitation on lying down—constipation with ineffectual desire.
12. Cactus grandiflorus: It is indicated for angina pectoris.
13. Kalmia latifolia: This Homeopathic medicine effectively treats hypertrophy of the heart muscles. It is especially indicated for hypertrophy of the heart due to rheumatic fever.
14. Glonoinum: It is indicated for treating symptoms of plaque build-up in the artery, which causes hypertension.
15. Latrodectus: It is used for heart disease with symptoms of precordial pain in the body.
16. Aconitum: It is useful when a person has a heart attack.
17. Kalmia latifolia: It helps treat cardiac hypertrophy that results after rheumatism.
18. Glonoinum: It is useful to treat symptoms of clotting and atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

Takeaway

Cardiovascular disease is a term used for conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels. When left untreated without any treatment, heart disease becomes fatal, leading to heart attacks or strokes. Some lifestyle changes, along with the prescribed medications, can help to manage the cardiovascular disorder. The earlier the diagnosis, the treatment can also be started earlier. If managed properly, people can live a happy, full and active life with cardiovascular disease.