An article appearing in The Lancet (1998;352(Suppl. 1):39-41) notes that the incidence of heart failure has dramatically increased in the last three to four decades. The prevalence of heart failure has increased by 70% between 1990 and 2000. The article suggests that the increase in heart failure may be the result of more patients surviving heart attacks and living to an older age. It may also be said that some of the interventions used to prevent heart attacks might help lead to heart failure.
There are nutritional approaches to heart failure and it may be advisable to utilize them considering the increase in this problem. Thiamin (vitamin B1) is depleted in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) who use the diuretic Furosemide (Lasix). Thiamin injections improved the left ventricular ejection fraction in 4 of 5 of these patients. Other CHF patients who were not taking diuretics were not thiamin depleted.
Supplementation with L-arginine was found to increase exercise endurance in patients with CHF, according to research found in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (2006; 27(7):567-72). Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be of value in CHF patients according to research in the journal Biofactors (2006; 25(1-4): 137-45) and the European Heart Journal (August 1, 2000). Other research shows that supplementation with magnesium, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can also be of benefit. Also, a meta-analysis appearing in the Journal of Cardiac Failure (2006; 12(6): 464-72) showed that CoQ10 supplementation helped both ejection fraction and cardiac output. CoQ-Zyme 30TM is an emulsified form of CoQ10 produced by Biotics Research. According to the manufacturer, the emulsified form of Coenzyme Q10 will raise blood levels an average of three times that of any of the dry forms available.
Exercise was once thought to be harmful to CHF patients. An article appearing in The American Heart Journal (July 2000;140(1):21-28) states that a number of recent studies show that exercise programs specifically designed for the individual are tolerated by patients and are even helpful. Carefully designed exercise programs are beneficial to heart failure patients, according to medical literature. Exercise of low to moderate intensity is preferred. Peripheral blood flow increases after exercise training.
Other substances that have shown to be beneficial to CHF patients include magnesium, thiamin, L-carnitine and Hawthorne. Another thing to consider in CHF patients is insulin resistance. Research appearing in the August, 1997 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, suggested a link between insulin resistance and CHF. There may also be a link between subclincal hypothyroidism and heart failure, according to research appearing in the July 1, 2005 issue of Family Practice News.
As always, when using nutritional therapy, do not try to use nutrients the same way that some doctors use drugs. It is important to educate patients about diet and exercise (even if you sound like a broken record). You are not treating heart failure; you are treating a patient that happens to have heart failure. You are improving the body's infrastructure and helping their general health. If the heart failure happens to improve while you are doing that-it is a nice side-effect, isn't it?
Dr. Paul Varnas, DC, DACBN is a practicing Chiropractor and Natural Health provider in the Chicago, Illioois area. Dr. Varnas is also a published author, entreprenuer and public speaker promoting the benefits of natural healthcare and whole body welness throughout the country. His Whole Health America organization provides a variety of information and value added services to natural care practitioners everywhere.
For more information on Dr. Paul Varnas, please call 630-993-0007, or visit http://www.wholehealthamerica.com
