Cardiovascular disease is a disorder of the heart and blood vessels of the body. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the heart. When blood flow to the heart is impaired, the result is angina (chest pain). When the blood flow is critically reduced, a myocardial infarction (heart attack) may occur. Lack of blood flow to the brain or, in some cases, bleeding in the brain can cause a stroke.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a general term for disease of the blood vessels of the heart, known as coronary arteries. It causes chest pain and heart attacks. Other major cardiovascular diseases include hypertension, atherosclerosis, and various types of vascular insufficiency. A less serious but nonetheless troubling cardiovascular condition is varicose veins.
There are some general recommendations for heart health that most people know. Eating foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats, consuming an adequate amount of fibre, minimizing salt, avoiding stimulants, drinking little to no alcohol, etc. just to name a few. Also, as Dr. Andrew Weil puts it, “Open your heart.” Compassion, caring, love, and respect are all heart tonics. The cardiovascular system needs herbal tonic support, too. If you want to learn what herbs to include, how to use them, and how often, we, at Real Old Remedies Inc., are here to help.