Cardiovascular Diseases
How to Deal With Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. They include coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and others. CVDs are the leading cause of death globally and in the U.S., accounting for about 32% of all deaths1. CVDs can be prevented and treated by addressing the risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. In this article, we will explain the causes and symptoms of CVDs, and some herbal remedies that may help with these conditions.
What are the causes and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases?

The causes of CVDs can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. However, most CVDs are caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) in the inner walls of the arteries. This narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart and other organs. Atherosclerosis can lead to various complications, such as:
Coronary artery disease:
Heart failure:
Stroke:
Arrhythmia:
Peripheral artery disease:
The symptoms of CVDs can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some people may not have any symptoms until a serious complication occurs, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Some of the common symptoms of CVDs are:
- Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort, especially during exercise or stress.
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or exerting yourself.
- Palpitations, or feeling your heart beat fast, irregular, or skip a beat.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Sweating, nausea, or vomiting.
- Weakness, fatigue, or lack of energy.
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet, or weight gain due to fluid retention.
- Difficulty sleeping, snoring, or waking up gasping for air.
- Coldness, numbness, or tingling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
- Difficulty speaking, understanding, seeing, or walking.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as they may indicate a life-threatening condition.
What are some herbal remedies for cardiovascular diseases?

There are some herbal remedies that may help with CVDs, but they are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should always consult your doctor before using any herbal products, especially if you have a severe or chronic condition, or if you are taking any medications. Some of the herbal remedies that may help with CVDs are:
Garlic:
Garlic is a herb that has been used for centuries for various health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that may protect the blood vessels from damage and infection. It may also lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and prevent blood clots from forming. You can eat garlic raw or cooked, or take it as a supplement.
Hawthorn:
Hawthorn is a plant that has been used for centuries for heart health. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the heart muscle and blood vessels from oxidative stress and damage. It may also improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, and regulate the heartbeat. You can take hawthorn as a tea, capsule, or extract.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine and medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet properties that may protect the blood vessels from inflammation and plaque buildup. It may also lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and prevent blood clots from forming. You can use turmeric as a spice, or take it as a supplement.
Green tea:
Green tea is a beverage that has been consumed for centuries in Asian countries. It contains a group of compounds called catechins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet properties that may protect the blood vessels from oxidative stress and damage. It may also lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and prevent blood clots from forming. You can drink green tea, or take it as a supplement .
Ginkgo biloba:
Ginkgo biloba is a herb that comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, and it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the blood vessels from oxidative stress and damage. It may also improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart and brain, and modulate the levels of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and glutamate, that are involved in memory and cognition. You can take ginkgo biloba as a capsule, tea, or extract .
Bilberry:
Bilberry is a berry that has been used for centuries in European cuisine and medicine. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the blood vessels from oxidative stress and damage. It may also improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart and brain, and prevent blood clots from forming. You can eat bilberry fresh or dried, or take it as a supplement .
Hibiscus:
Hibiscus is a flower that has been used for centuries in tropical and subtropical regions. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic properties that may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and prevent fluid retention and edema. You can drink hibiscus as a tea, or take it as a supplement .
Ginger:
Ginger is a spice that has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine and medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet properties that may protect the blood vessels from inflammation and plaque buildup. It may also lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and prevent blood clots from forming. You can use ginger as a spice, or take it as a supplement .
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries in various cuisines and medicines. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties that may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and prevent blood clots from forming. You can use cinnamon as a spice, or take it as a supplement .
These are some of the herbal remedies that may help with CVDs, but they are not proven to be effective or safe for everyone. You should always do your own research, read the labels carefully, and follow the directions and warnings on the package. You should also be aware of the possible side effects, interactions, and allergic reactions that these herbs may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, you should talk to your doctor or a qualified herbalist before using any herbal remedies for CVDs.