Decreasing the Risk of Heart Attack
by Li Hua, L. Ac. TCMD
Heart attack is still the leading cause of death in humans. When the blood supply to the heart is sharply reduced or cut off, the heart loses needed oxygen. If blood flow is not restored within minutes, parts of the heart muscle begin to die. This process is referred to as a myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack.
With the onset of a heart attack, the primary symptoms include consistent, deep, severe pain in the chest, which can spread to the left arm, neck, jaw or the area between the shoulder blades. Some people may feel heavy pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting or heartburn.
A heart attack can be caused by a partial or complete blockage of one of the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen, most often by a blood clot. It also can be due to an arrhythmia, a viral infection or a weak spot in a blood vessel.
Persons considered to be at risk of a heart attack are 1) those with a family history of heart diseases 2) those who smoke or abuse drugs 3) persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels 4) sedentary people and 5) persons who are under stress or have “type A” personalities. One third of all heart attacks occur without warning.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers the heart in two parts, the organ as one part and its energy as the other. Heart attack is the result of heart organ damage. The result usually comes from long-term stress that leads to the body’s consumption of the heart energy and therefore organ damaging.
There are three stages of a heart attack. In the first stage, patients have no complaints even though they have had heart problems. Chinese medicine doctors find that the patient’s heart energy is weak. At the second stage, patients may have symptoms of palpitations, shortness of breath, chest distress, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, heartburn, and edema. Up to the third stage, patients may have had heart problems for years without knowing it. At this point, the heart energy is very weak, which can lead to a heart attack.
Traditional Chinese medicine is effective in assisting western medicine to help and prevent heart problems. Many cases have shown that the function of the heart and the composition of the blood have been improved by adding traditional Chinese medicine. Stress is the number one cause of health problems. Acupuncture is one of the best methods to release stress to avoid the heart problems.
Acupuncture is effective in prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, diabetes, insomnia, heartburn, indigestion, and poor circulation. Chinese herbs have been used to improve the effectiveness of western medicine.
According to the traditional Chinese medicine five elements theory, the organs support each other, and influence each other. The heart is related mainly with the digestive organs, the kidneys and the lungs. Taking care of the heart and other organs is important. First, it is important to get enough good sleep to help nourish the heart Chi and blood. Second, avoid worry. That can impede the digestive process. Keep the emotions calm like water in a bowl. A supportive spiritual practice may help. Third, avoid over work or over exercise, which decreases the kidney Chi. Fourth, do deep slow breathing every day to strengthen the lung and reduce stress. Fifth, have a regular exercise schedule. Rubbing the hands together every day for 15 minutes can improve heart blood circulation. Sixth, stop smoking because nicotine stimulates the stomach and blood vessels causing digestive problems, blood vessel spasms and blood vessel contractions in the heart.
Overindulgence is not good for heart health. Small amounts of red wine will help circulation, but overindulgence will damage the liver and the heart. If you already have heart problems, you must use alcohol with caution, because alcohol may cause the circulation to speed up causing a heart attack. You should eat small healthy meals frequently, reducing fat and cholesterol rich foods. Walking and Tai Chi Qi Gong are the safest exercises for helping and preventing heart problems.
An emotional crisis, a heavy meal, overexertion from exercise or heavy lifting may act as a trigger for a heat attack. Avoid seeing scary movies or playing exciting games. This may be dangerous for the people who already have heart problems. Keep a positive and optimistic attitude and win a healthy heart.
Contact
Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or
e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com
