Malfunctioning of the heart due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the heart muscle. Heart disease brings chest pain during overexertion, stress or anxiety. It may result in a heart attack, where shortage of oxygen causes damage to part of the heart muscle.

Prevention/Treatment

Although coronary heart disease does not generally show symptoms until after middle age, its foundations are laid early in life. The following measures implemented early in life have been shown to help prevent this condition. They can also be useful in controlling the disease.

Dietary

If you are overweight, try to lose weight, or at least avoid putting on more weight. Research shows that excess weight puts significant pressure on the heart and increases blood cholesterol levels. Eat plenty of wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, cooked dried beans and peas. Instead of red meat and dairy produce, eat more poultry, fish (especially oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon), and vegetable proteins. Reduce intake of eggs, full fat dairy products, cakes, pastries and biscuits, and salt. Cook with olive oil rather than butter or meat fat. Eat a handful of nuts daily.

Herbal

Research from Thailand shows that hot red peppers help prevent the formation of blood clots. Introduce chilli or capsicum into your diet. Onions and garlic also help reduce blood clothing. Use these herbs liberally in your meals or take 3 garlic capsules 3 times daily. Fresh ginger added to the diet helps reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and reduce clotting.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise (brisk walking, jogging or an exercise ciass) for 20-30 minutes, 3 times a week should be a minimum for everyone, as it strengthens the heart, opens the arteries and burns off excess cholesterol.

Relaxation

Stress relief is important in prevention and treatment:

Yoga and meditation help reduce stress and induce relaxation. Massage and aromatherapy are effective methods of relaxing mentally and physically. Biofeedback is a useful tool if you are unable to relax.