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11-18-2004, 11:30 AM
Q: After a heart attack I was told to take aspirin daily to prevent
blood clots. I read that red wine could do just as well as aspirin, so
I switched to red wine. I was also put on Lipitor for my
cholesterol. I tried to replace that with the herb Arjuna, but my
cholesterol went back up. Now I've switched to cod liver oil and
am back on Lipitor. I really want to use only natural remedies but
I'm confused about which ones. Do you have any suggestions?

JVW: One of the basic principles of natural medicine is that
different remedies work for different people. But fortunately nature
provides numerous options for most conditions. There are some
additional natural solutions you may want to try -- working closely
with a physician knowledgeable in natural medicine, of course. If
your current doctor won't help you with the natural approach,
contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine (800-
532-3688, 949-583-7666, http://www.acam.org) (http://www.acam.org)/) to find a nutritionally
oriented physician who will work with you.

First there's cod liver oil (along with vitamin E). Also, you may
want to think about trying policosanol for its anti-clotting and
cholesterol lowering effects. In a comparative trial using healthy
volunteers, 20 milligrams of policosanol daily was just as effective
for preventing blood clots as 100 milligrams of aspirin. Policosanol
offers these benefits without the corresponding risk to your
gastrointestinal system that comes with daily aspirin use.


Also, don't forget to look closely at your diet. Whether you are
taking pharmaceutical medication or natural remedies, they must
be supported by a smart diet that takes your particular health needs
into account.

************************************************** ************


What is...C-Reactive protein?

C-Reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and is another
indicator of heart disease. An elevated level of this protein in the
blood indicates the presence of acute inflammation in the body. Of
course, just like the other heart-health factors (blood pressure,
cholesterol, etc.) CRP isn't a reliable indicator of heart disease all
by itself. There are many illnesses and conditions that can raise
your levels of CRP, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, not to
mention the common cold. However, it can be a helpful measure
when looked at in conjunction with other tests, such as a
cholesterol panel that includes HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels,
homocysteine levels, and stress test to see where you are on a
continuum of risk for heart disease and to make treatment
suggestions that will be effective for you.

teknobucks
12-23-2004, 12:51 PM
wife had open heart to repairher mitral valve about six months ago. after some extensive internet research we decided to go to the cleveland clinic for the procedure.

Mitral valve repair needed due to severe regurgitation.
Wife'sheart condition has become an obstacle to daily life. She had found herself completely exhausted with no energy to function. O2 has helped a bit, however being continually attached to a breathing device is not the answer.
Six months ago she was able to kayak 5-6 miles....getting out of bed took all of her strength.
Since Cleveland clinic's dr's cosgrove and sabik have written the book on MVP repair, we choose to come to the clinic for the procedure.
Cleveland clinic is the best in the world for heart care!

http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/body.cfm?id=467

she is now able to bike and kayak!

highly recommend the clinic for any heart problems!

$202k....blue cross ppo paid all but $1700

tekno

infolinks:




cle clinic (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/)
details of procedure (http://www.ctsnet.org/doc/3308)
dr sabik articles (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/staff/publications_list.asp?staffid=2088&name=&keyword1= &Keyword2=&specialty=Cardiac+Surgery&cnt=2)
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/valve/valvetreatment.htm)
more (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=128300 55&dopt=Abstract)
more mitral valve info (http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/archive/3134.html)
overview (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/heartsurgeryprogram.htm)
:^

coolhand
12-23-2004, 03:17 PM
Teckno,

Thanks for sharing such a personal experience. My wife and I are very glad you and your wife found the help you needed. I'll bet those walks on the beach (we're fond of them too) are extra special moments now:).

sincerely,

Jim

teknobucks
12-23-2004, 03:25 PM
yes sir they most certainly are!

*an event such as this makes one step back and re-evaluate their lives.

ou81200
12-23-2004, 04:08 PM
Teknobucks---

I have a good friend who is a nurse at the Cleveland Clinic. That placeis probably the best place in the world for cardiac care. I'm glad your wife came out of it ok.

Both of you have a blessed holiday.



OU81200