In addition to any other treatment, doctors and therapists agree that lifestyle and diet changes are of primary importance in both preventing heart disease and affecting the rate of its development. Most cases of heart disease can be helped by the following measures, especially if cought early:

*Modify your diet to keep it low in fats and salt, and high in unrefined foods ( grains, fruit and vegetables) and avoid rich, heavy meals.

*Avoid stimulants such as caffeine (in coffee, tea and cola drinks)

*Reduce your weight, if overweight.

*Control your blood pressure problems.

*Stop smoking

*Exercise regularly

*Relax and learn to deal with stress.

*Practise breathing exercises.

What else can be done in natural therapy

The Bach flower remedies holly, and willow can be used for the long-term maintainance of the heart. Dilute 2 drops each of the remedies into a 25ml bottle of spring water, then take 4 drops of this mixture four times daily.

Herbalist often supplement medical treatment with Hawthorn berries, Motherwort,Lime blossom and Oats, which are all effective in strengthening the heart.

Vitamins and minerals that help the heart include coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E,Calcium,Magnesium, Phosphate, and Potassium. Fish oil and garlic are also recommended.

Some helpful foods are:

Oily fish such as sardines,salmon, and mackerel, all contain omega 3 fatty acid which discourages the clotting tendency of blood.

Sunflower products, almonds, sweet potatoes, and wheatgerm, are all rich in vitamin E, which helps to lower the risk of angina.

Green leafy vegetables, carrots, apricots, and red peppers, all have high levels of beta-carotene, which lower the risk of stroke.

Blackcurrants, strawberries, citrus fruit, and water cress are all rich in the antioxidant vitamin c, and should be eaten daily.

Red wine and apples contain the flavonoid quercetin, which has recently been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

Chilli, ginger and pineapple all discourage blood clotting.

If you have had a heart attack or a stroke please check with your gp first before taking any of the above natural healing foods, or herbs.