Natural Supplements for post Myocardial Infarction treatment

Myocardial infarction is a technical term used to describe an irreversible injury to heart muscle.

In an acute myocardial infarction, the flow of blood from a blood vessel in the heart is blocked, whereby the cardiac muscle receives insufficient oxygen and heart tissue dies. In many cases, the supply of blood in the deadened portion of the heart can be restored via the so-called balloon technique. But after a myocardial infarct, the heart suffers permanent damage, primarily to the left ventricle.

Myocardial Infarction cause
The most common cause of acute myocardial infarction is narrowing of the epicardial blood vessels due to atheromatous plaques, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries. Plaque rupture with subsequent exposure of the basement membrane in the lining of the blood vessel results in platelet aggregation, blood clot formation, fibrin accumulation, hemorrhage into the plaque, and varying degrees of vasospasm. This can result in partial or complete blockage of the vessel and subsequent myocardial ischemia, which means lack of oxygen resulting in muscle tissue damage. Total occlusion of the vessel for more than 4-6 hours results in irreversible myocardial necrosis, but reperfusion within this period can salvage the myocardium (heart muscle) and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Myocardial Infarction risk factors
Six primary risk factors have been identified with the development of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. These include hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol and triglycerides), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, male gender, and family history of atherosclerotic arterial disease. The presence of any risk factor is associated with doubling the relative risk of developing atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Stress and lack of exercise are additional factors.

There is no proof yet that taking supplements reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, but in my opinion, ongoing studies will likely eventually show that certain supplements, when used properly, can reduce the risk for myocardial infarction.

Of course, a patient with heart disease would already be on a number of medications, so I am writing this blog to give some ideas to one of my patients, without increasing her pill count.

Fish oil, rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and derived from oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel -- is already recommended by the American Heart Assn. to help prevent cardiovascular disease. It has been shown to reduce blood triglyceride levels and slightly lower blood pressure, lowering the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Coenzyme Q10
Heart Attacks: In a small trial of patients with recent myocardial infarction, Coenzyme Q10--used in addition to aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs--decreased the likelihood of further cardiac events for at least one year after the heart attack. The dosage of CoQ10 used in the study was 60 mg twice daily.















Vitamin D
Low levels of 25(OH)D are associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction in a graded man- ner, even after controlling for factors known to be asso- ciated with coronary artery disease.

Consider tea:

Black Tea and Green tea have superb antioxidant properties. Drinking 10 to 20 cups a day can provide protection against heart disease and many other illnesses.

Hawthorn berries regulate, heal, repair and soothe the heart.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of hawthorn blossoms, steep for five to ten minutes, strain and take 2-3 cups daily for a month.
Or, take 10 drops extract in liquid twice daily, or take 1 tsp. of tincture three times daily.

Ginkgo biloba increases the blood supply to the brain, prevents accumulation of blood platelets and controls angina.
Take 20 drops of tincture three times daily. Take two 40 mg capsules of 24% standardized extract.
Note: If you take prescription blood-thinning medication, consult your health care provider before using ginkgo.













Ginger has a tonic effect on the heart, lowers cholesterol and inhibits blood platelet collection.
Make a fresh ginger infusion using 2 slices of fresh root per cup of water.
Take 2 cups daily.

Try eating pomegranates and goji berries
The results of one study demonstrates, that daily consumption of pomegranate juice for 3 months may decrease myocardial ischemia and improve myocardial perfusion
















Food allergies triggering myocardial infarction are rare, but ruling out common food allergies and/or avoiding foods that may trigger, can be helpful. I use Quest and Alcat in my Allergy evaluations and perform IgE and IgG testing.