With February being Heart Month, I thought I would bring awareness to a not-uncommon symptom, heart palpitations. Heart palpitations are the sensation of your heart pounding or fluttering and are a common occurrence that can be unsettling but are not always indicative of a serious heart condition. They may last only a few seconds and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, illness, dehydration, pregnancy, caffeine, anemia, and certain medications. If palpitations persist or are accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, fainting, or feelings of unwellness, seeking emergency treatment is crucial to rule out underlying heart conditions.
Dehydration can lead to thicker blood, requiring the heart to work harder. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking water and monitoring urine color can help prevent palpitations. Maintaining proper levels of essential electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, is vital for heart health by conducting electrical charges crucial for muscle contractions, including those of the heart. Consider taking sugar-free Electrolytes by Organika.
Hawthorn preparations have a rich tradition as valuable tonic remedies for the cardiovascular system. The combination of hawthorn fruit, leaf, and flower in Cardio Calm by Strauss harnesses a spectrum of actions, including antispasmodic effects, antiarrhythmic properties, diuretic action, hypotension, vasodilation, and cardiotonic benefits. These attributes collectively strengthen and invigorate the heart and circulatory function, making hawthorn a versatile herbal remedy for various cardiovascular conditions.
Cardio Calm also contains Skullcap which has anti-anxiety properties to support and calm the nervous system; Peppermint which is commonly used to reduce sympathetic spasms causing palpitations; and Indian Sarsaparilla, an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used as a “blood purifier”.
A cardiotonic and cardioprotective tonic to also consider is the original Strauss Heartdrops. The synergistic combination of Hawthorn, Garlic, European Mistletoe, Cayenne, and other herbs was shown over a one-year period to reduce LDL Cholesterol by 38% and Triglycerides by 63%. It also reduced the frequency and severity of cardiac symptoms by 44% in just 12 weeks.
For overall cardiovascular health, one should consider my favorite antioxidant for the heart, CoQ10. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Heart Failure described CoQ10 as “the first new drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade.” The result of this study was that it significantly reduced deaths in patients with severe heart failure by half when compared to a control group. From reducing the risk of repeat heart attacks and improving outcomes in heart failure patients to lowering blood pressure and addressing statin-related side effects, CoQ10 appears to play a crucial role in supporting heart health. I recommend CoQ10 MRB (water-soluble ubiquinone) or INNO-Q-NOL (the active form of CoQ10) by Innovite.
For more information, consider attending one of my upcoming monthly seminars on the root cause of metabolic syndrome on Feb 29, 2024.
By Lyle Sunada, R.Ph.
Lyle Sunada is a compounding pharmacist and NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner specializing in hormone balancing and alternative medicine at Cloverdale Pharmasave. He specializes in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.
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