Alternative/Complementary Therapies
Research shows that alternative and complementary
therapies, such as yoga and vitamin supplements, also can
help women lower their risk factors for heart disease.
Ways to Achieve Relaxation
A recent study conducted at the University of California
found that acupuncture appears to reduce blood pressure
by stimulating the brain to release chemicals known as endorphins.
Endorphins also help regulate the brain’s nerve cells
to relax muscles, decrease pain, and reduce panic and anxiety.
The results were dramatic; those who received the treatment
lowered their systolic blood pressure an average of 15 mm
Hg.
Yoga may have similar effects. In a recent study, participants
were subjected to 5-minute periods of mental stress followed
by various relaxation techniques, including listening to
classical music, listening to nature sounds, practicing
yoga, or doing nothing at all. Only yoga significantly decreased
the time it took for blood pressure to drop back to normal.
A recent study found that relaxing and reducing stress
through transcendental meditation (TM) might reduce artery
blockage, a major risk for heart attack and stroke. People
practice TM by repeating soothing sounds while meditating
to achieve total relaxation. The researchers found that
those who practiced TM significantly reduced the thickness
of the arterial wall compared with those who didn’t
practice TM.
Relaxation methods take on added significance in light
of recent studies that link heart disease to anger or irritability
from mental stress. Stress brings on ischemia (constriction
or narrowing of coronary arteries with a lack of blood flow
to the heart), which can lead to a heart attack. Adjusting
your attitude is important to heart health, and relaxation
exercises can help you manage stress.
The Role of Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
To protect their hearts, women need to eat the proper foods.
Studies show that not getting enough potassium, calcium,
or magnesium in the foods you eat may cause hypertension.
Eating foods rich in these nutrients can help control blood
pressure.
A recent study conducted at the Johns Hopkins University
found that the oils in certain fish can lower blood pressure.
The researchers reported that omega-3 fatty acids in such
cold-water fish as mackerel and salmon might help lower
blood pressure.
Several studies also have cited the role of vitamin C in
heart health. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin
C, has been found to help protect the heart by preventing
blood clots and by improving blood cholesterol levels. Antioxidants
neutralize damaging "free radicals," which oxidize
other molecules and damage cells. They also boost immune
system function to keep diseases at bay. Experts advise
taking between 100 mg and 200 mg of vitamin C per day if
you don’t get enough from the food you eat.
Alternative/Complementary Therapy Safety
Some alternative and complementary therapies effectively
help women manage their heart health. However, others can
be dangerous if you pursue them without your physician’s
permission and advice. It’s a good idea to proceed
with caution if you try any form of alternative therapy.
Consult your physician and compare the cost of the treatment
with its potential benefits.
If you choose to take the alternative therapy route, be
sure to check out the practitioner’s credentials.
Ask the following questions and insist on getting patient
referrals before making an appointment:
- Where and how were you trained?
- How long have you been in practice?
- Are you licensed in your field? If not, what other
credentials do you have?
- Have you worked with other female patients interested
in lowering their risk of CVD?
- Are you willing to work in conjunction with my physician?
The best way to choose an alternative therapy practitioner
is with the guidance of your physician.
References
- “Acupuncture,”
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
March 2002.
- “Yoga
for a Healthy Heart,” American Yoga Association,
2002.
- Castillo-Richmond, A., et al. “Effects
of Stress Reduction on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Hypertensive
African Americans,” Stroke, 31(3):568-573; March
3, 2000.
- “Vitamin
C, Fish, and a Gout Drug Target Artery Damage from Smoking,”
American Heart Association, Jan. 6, 2003.
- “Are
You Considering Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine?”
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
August 2002.
Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14
Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.RockHillCommunications.com
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Erin Murphy, Ron
Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D.
Date Written: 3/1/01
Last Reviewed & Updated: 5/31/2003
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