By Schuyler Corrigan

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February 27, 2024

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 When working with people for cardiovascular and heart health, our naturopathic doctors always take a holistic approach to individualized care, considering each person’s health history, genetic factors, diet and lifestyle habits, and any current risk factors. Prevention is essential to decrease the risk of heart-related issues in the future, and our doctors use various tools and education to support clients in managing their heart health for years or even decades. One of our favorite additions to a heart-healthy routine is incorporating herbs or targeted supplements alongside diet and lifestyle suggestions to support long-term cardiovascular health. There are several herbs to choose from, each with a unique role in supporting heart health. Here are some of our favorite herbs to choose from and why we may choose each one:

Herbs For Better Heart Health

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus spp). People often use hawthorn, a classic European cardiotonic, as an herbal preparation to actively support their cardiovascular system. Most notably, hawthorn works on dilating coronary arteries and helping the cells within cardiac muscles, reducing pressure and supporting the endothelium. Most hypertension medications can interact with hawthorn berry, and it is advisable to avoid using it when a client is currently taking statin or other cardioactive drugs. We often use this herb in solid extract or phytocapsule form.  

 

Linden leaf & flower (Tilia spp.) This is considered a “hypotensive” (blood pressure lowering) herb with an affinity for calming the nervous system associated with mild stress. It is gentle, uplifting, and beneficial as a tea infusion or combined with your favorite herbs for relaxing the mind and body, such as chamomile, tulsi, or lavender. When you sip on this beautiful tea, you can enjoy its delicate fruity and floral taste. 

 

Garlic (Allium spp.) You probably already have this powerhouse of an herb in your kitchen, and it is one of our favorites to incorporate into the daily diet for cholesterol and heart health support. Garlic has been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels and, like Linden, is considered a mild hypotensive. We like adding fresh, crushed garlic to most meals throughout the week for this effect.  

 

Assessing Vitamins and Nutrients for Cardiovascular Support

Research shows that many individuals with cardiac concerns lack specific nutrients and vitamins. This can occur over time due to activity level and, in some cases, from particular medications, injury, or surgery. The heart requires specific fuel for adequate function, including B vitamins, Vitamin D, CoQ10, iron, and electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. It may be necessary to assess an individual’s heart for specific proteins and essential fatty acids that can help to nourish it. Assessing vitamin, mineral, and crucial fatty levels is extremely useful when someone has cardiovascular risk or damage.

In some cases, low or high levels could put one at risk for cardiovascular vulnerability; thus, we want balance. Overall, we recommend assessing iron, ferritin, B12, folate, Vitamin D, total protein, and electrolytes as a starting place. If your vitamin levels are low, you may need to adjust your diet or take supplements. However, determining the appropriate dosage will depend on your medical history and lifestyle.

 

Approaching Each Case Individually

Holistic approaches can be effective in managing cardiovascular issues that can have varying symptoms. To manage hypertension, it is important to address various factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, genetics, and herbal remedies. There are two types of hypertension: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension refers to high blood pressure with no apparent cause. While secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying pathology, such as kidney disease or endocrine imbalance. It is important to note that clients with secondary hypertension should be under the continuing care of their doctor.

It’s important to use multiple methods to support cardiovascular health and protect against high blood pressure. Herbal and nutrient approaches can support the epithelium, the inner lining of heart vessels. With each case, our NDs look for the underlying cause of what is potentiating the blood flow. This will help us choose a plan wisely and more precisely for the underlying cause of the problem.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your heart health and seek personalized support, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors today.