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On the Road with Dr. Sinatra: Choosing the Right Magnesium

…magnesium level is also the most common nutrient deficiencies we see. The mineral is often “used up” and thus depleted in patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, chest pain, high blood pressure levels, cardiac arrhythmias, heart muscle disease, heart attack, and even sudden…

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Magnesium: An Unsung Hero

…electrolyte abnormalities in clinical practice today. Magnesium is often depleted in patients with cardiovascular problems, specifically those with congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), and heart attack. Like CoQ10, magnesium…

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Eliminating Hidden Salt Helps Control High Blood Pressure

…of canned ham (packed with salt) one Easter Sunday. The next day he was in the emergency room in hypertensive crisis, having an episode of acute congestive heart failure. His heart couldn’t handle the enormous amount of salt he’d eaten. Now, I’ll admit that was an extraordinary situation, but it…

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Prevent Blood Clots

…anyone with more than two episodes of AF a year is to take Coumadin. If you have fewer episodes of AF and no other health problems like diabetes, congestive heart failure, leaking heart valves, or an enlarged heart, aspirin is a second choice. For more information on how to prevent blood clots, visit…

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Beta Blockers 101

…blood pressure, I am comfortable prescribing them because they are among the safest of all cardiac drugs. I also use beta blockers in cases of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. This is one medication that you probably shouldn’t ditch for a natural alternative. However, if you experience…

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5 Things Your Cardiologist Won't Tell You

…your heart (take 500 mg three times a day). These two nutrients, along with the “Awesome Foursome” (see below) can help with the symptoms of congestive heart failure. * Supporting ATP production can help to heal your heart. ATP is energy and the biggest energy user in your body is your heart. To…

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Calcium Channel Blockers 101

…Unfortunately, there are many side effects of calcium channel blockers. These include: * Ankle swelling * Headaches * Dizziness * Weakness * Fatigue * Lung congestion * Nausea * Heart palpitations * Abdominal cramps * Diarrhea or constipation Talk with your physician if you have any of these complaints. These drugs…

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Side Effects of Statin Drugs

…of a stretch to think these drugs could lead to diastolic dysfunction and, subsequently, congestive heart failure. Research appears to verify the connection between statins, depletion of CoQ10, and congestive heart failure. I would never take a statin without the added insurance of supplemental CoQ10…

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Lower Blood Pressure Levels With Diuretics

If you have a history of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure levels, you may already be taking a diuretic such as indapamide (Lozol) or furosemide (Lasix). These agents help to promote healthy blood pressure indirectly by increasing urine output…

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7 Ways to Ward Off Colds and Flu Naturally

…put on a pair of thoroughly wrung out wet cotton socks, cover with a dry pair of socks and go to bed. This form of hydrotherapy helps to remove congestion in the head and upper respiratory tract. Repeat for 3–4 nights. Now it’s your turn: Which of these strategies have you tried? You May Also Be…

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The Pros and Cons of Statin Drugs

…much of a stretch to think these drugs could lead to diastolic dysfunction and, subsequently, congestive heart failure. Research has verified the connection between statins, depletion of CoQ10, and congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is critical that anyone taking a statin should be chasing it down…

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The Great Vitamin Controversy--Debunked!

…medicine. The reason I began formulating supplements is because they’re some of the best weapons we have to treat cardiac conditions like angina, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. In fact, I’ve seen the lab work for thousands of people documenting their nutrient…

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When a Good Deal Can Be a Really Bad Deal

More than ten years ago, when I started aggressively using coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to treat congestive heart failure (CHF), some patients would perk up initially but when they came back, I’d hear one of two reactions. Some would say, “Whoa, Doc! I got my life back!” while others would say, “What…

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Cardiovascular Problems Risk Factor: Low Vitamin D

…measure vitamin D in the blood) are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure levels, stroke, and congestive heart failure, as well as obesity and diabetes. For more information on what you can do to combat cardiovascular problems, visit www.drsinatra.com…

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Could You Have Atrial Fibrillation and Not Know It?

…24 hours, or extremely high or low heart rates), can place a considerable strain on your heart. Occasionally, this can lead to a heart attack or congestive heart failure. There is also a risk that blood clots may form in the fibrillating atria. This can lead to the most dreaded complication of AF: stroke…

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Cardiology Terminology 101: Understanding Ejection Fraction

…that a low ejection fraction results in blood backing up into the lungs, creating the breathing difficulties commonly experienced in someone with congestive heart failure. Other cardiovascular problems that can adversely affect ejection fraction include heart attack, long-standing high blood pressure…

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Vascular Dementia Can Happen to Anyone

…conditions. In fact, 50% of the time high blood pressure is the cause. But it can also happen in people with arteriosclerosis, valvular disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and pacemaker therapy. The classic signs of VaD are slowed thinking, memory problems, confusion that often worsens…

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Should You Take Coumadin?

…anyone with more than two episodes of AF a year is to take Coumadin. If you have fewer episodes of AF and no other health problems like diabetes, congestive heart failure, leaking heart valves, or an enlarged heart, aspirin is a second choice. Finally, I want to mention that you never want to discontinue…

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Coenzyme Q10: Energy on Call

…never realize that the real cause of the problem is a CoQ10 deficiency. One of the most serious heart conditions caused by a CoQ10 deficiency is congestive heart failure. Dietary sources of CoQ10 include beef heart, pork, chicken liver, and fish (especially salmon, mackerel, and sardines). But the average…

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Cardiology Terminology: Arrhythmia

…and died when the tachycardia turned into deadly fibrillation, as it often does. These situations are particularly dangerous among patients with congestive heart failure or who have cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes inflamed, dilated, and doesn’t pump well, or where the left ventricle…

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The Sinatra Solution: Ejection Fraction

…primary exercise program. As a former cardiac rehab nurse, I also encourage folks—even my own dear uncle who is just recovering from a bout of congestive heart—to consider joining a Phase III Cardiac Rehab program if there is one in their area. There they can learn how to exercise safely with whatever…

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The Healing Power of Saunas

…time to get to that temperature and duration. (In fact, my sauna even has a CD player for my “Zen” music.) Those with high blood pressure and congestive heart failure can use saunas, but should do at lower temperatures and for very short time periods (5-10 minutes). I purchased the far-infrared kind…

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“Crusted,” “Crispy”—What Do Those Menu Terms Really Mean?

…the skin first. Plus, remember many roasted chickens are high in sodium which is used as a preservative. So, if you have high blood pressure or congestive heart failure limit yourself to less than two to three ounces per serving. Grilled: Foods cooked on the grill are a good choice, but you do want…

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L-Carnitine Is Not Only Safe, It’s Essential

…prevention. In addition, there are multiple human studies confirming the benefits of L-carnitine in documented heart disease, i.e. heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure, and atherosclerotic vessels. The researchers raise the issue of TMAO concentrations, which does deserve further investigation. The…

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