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What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death in North America even though the death rates have been declining steadily in Canada since the mid-1960s. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 37% of all deaths in Canada with Atlantic Canada having consistently higher cardiovascular death rates than Western Canada.

Coronary heart disease (altherosclerosis) is a build up of lipids (cholesterol) in the arterial walls. As the plaque builds up, the arterial walls become narrower and narrower causing limited or a complete blockage of blood flow to the organs and body.

Whether it’s atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, angina, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, or cerebral vascular disease (strokes), heart disease can be managed more effectively and even prevented. Many of the risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease such as smoking, lack of exercise, stress, obesity and high fat, low fiber diet are factors that one has control over. For More Information on Heart Disease Click Here

Conventional treatment of heart disease consists of nutrition, exercise, medications and surgery. There is no cure for heart disease but there are some complementary and alternative practices that have been effective in some cases.

The Best Combination

The best treatment for heart disease has been the best of both conventional medicine and complementary medicine. We strongly recommend that you do not abandon conventional medicine in favor of an unproven complementary or alternative health practice.

CAM Therapies That May Be Helpful for Heart Disease

Acupressure Acupuncture Aromatherapy Art Therapy Ayurveda Biofeedback Chelation Counselling/Psychotherapy Exercise Guided Imagery Healing Touch Herbal Therapy Homeopathy Humor Therapy Hypnotherapy Journal Therapy Magnet Therapy Massage Therapy Meditation Music Therapy NAET Naturopathy Nutrition Qi Gong Reiki Relaxation Therapy Retreats & Spas Shiatsu Support Groups Tai Chi Therapeutic Touch Traditional Chinese Medicine Vitamins/Supplements Yoga.

Disclaimer: The resources and links provided are for information purposes only and one should discuss treatment options with their physician.

Important: Whatever CAM treatment you opt for, it is important that you share the information with your physician. It is important that we begin to start talking about the many therapies available and begin to determine which practices are the most helpful.

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