Stress Reduction
Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and relaxation response methods, may have direct physical benefits for lowering stress hormones. These hormones include cortisol, which suppresses the immune system, and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline), the chemical messenger associated with heart dysfunction.
Alternative Remedies
Patients with heart failure may resort to alternative remedies. Such remedies are often ineffective and may have severe or toxic effects. Of particular note for patients with heart failure is an interaction between St. John's wort (an herbal medicine used for depression) and digoxin (a heart drug). St. John's wort can significantly interfere with this drug.
Arginine. Some evidence suggests that arginine (also called L-arginine) may have some benefit. This amino acid appears to reduce endothelin, a protein that causes blood vessel constriction and is found in high amounts in patients with heart failure. It can have adverse effects, however, including gastrointestinal problems. It can also lower blood pressure and change levels of certain chemicals and electrolytes in the body. It may increase the risk for bleeding. Some people have an allergic reaction to it, which in same cases may be severe. It may worsen asthma.
Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E. Small studies have suggested that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may help patients with heart failure, particularly when combined with vitamin E. CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance found in organ meats and soybean oil. More recent studies, however, have found that CoQ10 and vitamin E do not help the heart or prevent heart disease. According to a 2005 Journal of the American Medical Association study, vitamin E supplements can actually increase the risk of heart failure, especially for patients with diabetes or vascular diseases.
Other Vitamins and Supplements. A wide variety of other vitamins (thiamin, B6, and C), minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium), nutritional supplements (carnitine, creatine), and herbal remedies (hawthorn) have been proposed as treatments for heart failure. None have been adequately tested. There is no evidence that a particular vitamin or supplement can cure heart failure. In any case, vitamins are best consumed through the food sources contained in a healthy diet.
Herbs and SupplementsGenerally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been several reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements. |
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