Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to pump effectively. Signs include loss of consciousness and abnormal or absent breathing. Some individuals may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea before cardiac arrest. If not treated within minutes, it typically leads to death.The most common cause of cardiac arrest is coronary artery disease. Less common causes include major blood loss, lack of oxygen, very low potassium, heart failure, and ...

heart arrest

What-is-a-heart-attack?

What is a heart attack?

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A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. Fatty deposits containing cholesterol are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.

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Sometimes plaque can burst and form a clot that blocks blood flow. Lack of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.&nbsp;

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Heart attack is also called myocardial infarction. Immediate treatment of a heart attack is necessary to prevent a fatal outcome, which means immediately seeking emergency care. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537076/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - NCBI BookshelfTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubNCBI Insights BlogTwitterFacebookYoutube" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;1]&nbsp;

Symptoms-of-heart-attack-(myocardial-infarction)

Symptoms of heart attack (myocardial infarction)

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The symptoms of heart attack are different. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. There may be no pre-existing symptoms. &nbsp;<a href="https://f1000research.com/articles/7-1378/v1" target="_blank" data-ref="Understanding myocardial infarction | F1000Research" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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The most common symptoms of myocardial infarction include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chest pain that can be felt as pressure, tightness, squeezing&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or sometimes upper abdomen</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cold sweat</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heartburn or indigestion</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dizziness or sudden dizziness</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nausea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shortness of breath</li></ul>Women may have atypical symptoms, such as brief or sharp pain in the neck, arm, or back. Sometimes the first sign of a heart attack is a sudden cardiac arrest.

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Some heart attacks occur suddenly. But many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days, or weeks in advance. Chest pain or pressure (angina) that continues to occur and doesn't go away with taking a break may be an early warning sign. Angina is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart. The two conditions are different, so for any of the listed symptoms, seek medical attention.&nbsp;

Why-do-arteries-become-clogged?

Why do arteries become clogged?

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Usually we are talking about a set of several risk factors that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Some of the most common risk factors include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">High blood pressure</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Obesity</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inadequate diet - poor in healthy fats and fiber</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sedentary lifestyle</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cigarette smoking</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diabetes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Genetic factors/family history</li></ul>If you have any of these risk factors, it's important to make the necessary changes to reduce your risk of clogging your arteries. Switching to a healthier diet, quitting smoking, losing weight and more physical activity during the day can have a huge impact on your cardiovascular health.

Foods-That-May-Help-Prevent-Clogged-Arteries-and-Release-Them

Foods That May Help Prevent Clogged Arteries and Release Them

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If you build your diet properly, i.e. if it includes mostly healthy foods, it brings benefits for overall health. Some foods can help release arteries naturally, as well as prevent clogging. This protects your cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of some of today's deadliest conditions.

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Let's see what foods have benefits for cardiovascular health and help unclog the arteries:

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<ul><li>Berries - the most useful are strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and raspberries. Studies have shown that berries reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve oxidation. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/9/1983" target="_blank" data-ref="Role of Berry Bioactive Compounds on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome" rel="noopener">[Ref. 3]</a>&nbsp; Research has also shown that eating berries significantly reduces risk factors for atherosclerosis, including elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep23625?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=773a4edf-1c31-446c-baa0-ce0bf7015daf" target="_blank" data-ref="Effects of Berries Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - Scientific Reports" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avocado - instead of mayonnaise in your burger or sandwich, replace it with a little avocado. Studies have shown that daily consumption of avocado leads to an improvement in blood cholesterol (lower LDL and higher HDL). HDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and prevents plaque formation.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Asparagus - a natural food for cleansing the arteries. It can help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots that can cause heart disease. This vegetable is packed with fiber and minerals, along with a long list of vitamins, including K, B1, B2, C, and E.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pomegranate - this fruit contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the lining of the arteries from damage. Pomegranate juice stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the body, which helps keep blood circulation good and arteries clean.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Broccoli - broccoli is rich in vitamin K, which helps protect the arteries from damage. It is also packed with fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garlic - Garlic is one of the best sources of the therapeutically beneficial medical compound allicin. Studies have shown that high doses of garlic extract for a long time are effective in reducing blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sesame seeds some studies show that eating sesame seeds regularly can help reduce high cholesterol and triglycerides which are risk factors for heart disease. Sesame seeds consist of 15% saturated fat, 41% polyunsaturated fat and 39% monounsaturated fat. They are also an excellent source of fiber for good digestion. Additionally, lignans, vitamin E, and other antioxidants in sesame seeds can help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, potentially supporting healthy blood pressure. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.8361" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Turmeric - this spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It acts to reduce inflammation, which is a major cause of arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arteries. Adding turmeric to your diet can reduce damage to arterial walls, reducing the chances of a blood clot forming. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0734975019300102" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foods rich in L-arginine - in the body the amino acid arginine is converted into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves blood circulation. Some evidence suggests that arginine may help improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart. Some of the most nutritious foods high in L-arginine include turkey, pork tenderloin, chicken, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, peanuts, spirulina, dairy, chickpeas, and lentils. &nbsp;<a href="https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-016-0084-z" target="_blank" data-ref="Dietary L-arginine intake and the incidence of coronary heart disease: Tehran lipid and glucose study - Nutrition &amp; Metabolism" rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fish - Fish is rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fats. Eating an omega-3-rich diet can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that omega-3s help reduce the expression of cellular adhesion molecules proteins that allow cells to stick to each other and their surroundings. Your body releases cell adhesion molecules in response to inflammation, and they are the driving force behind the clogged arteries. In addition, fish intake is associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

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A healthy diet rich in beneficial nutrients can help reduce the risk of developing clogged arteries. Research shows that eating foods such as fish, avocados, berries, asparagus, pomegranate and others supports the health of the arteries.
Remember that blood is pumped throughout the body from the heart through the arteries. When arteries are blocked by plaque or fat deposits, the condition can make it impossible for blood to move around the body and lead to serious health damage. Nutrition is crucial to maintaining the health of all our organs and systems. Through the selection of foods in the article, we hope to help you improve your diet and take steps towards heart disease prevention.

Healthy Foods That Clog Arteries and Prevent a Heart Attack

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Healthy Foods That Unclog Arteries and Prevent Heart Loss

Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The cardiovascular system is one of the most important in the human body. If we think about what are the most life-threatening conditions and how first aid is provided to a severely injured person, we will necessarily come to this conclusion.

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But cardiac arrest is not the only thing that can befall us. It is extremely important that we keep our circulatory system in order&nbsp;to have a good quality of life and good overall&nbsp;health.

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In this article, we will talk about 3 of the diseases of the heart, for which there are herbs with a beneficial effect, proven by science: arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Arrhythmia (saffron, ginger, lemon balm, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Atherosclerosis (tribulus terrestris, red sage, black cumin, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">High blood pressure, hypertension (garlic, saffron, green tea, etc.)</li>
</ul>

Arrhythmia

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In general, arrhythmia consists of an abnormal heart rhythm - irregular, too fast, or too slow, and the cause of it can be both severe conditions, such as a vice of the heart or heart attack, and excessive emotional tension or alcohol abuse.

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There are a&nbsp;few herbs [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/a_review_on_plants_and_herbal_components_with_antiarrhythmic_activities_and_their_interaction_with_current_cardiac_drugs_32670823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] and supplements that could help us against arrhythmia.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

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Various studies have shown that saffron (saffron crocus) has a positive effect against arrhythmia, and it is considered that this is probably due to its ability to inhibit calcium channels in the cell.

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Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

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In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger enters the composition of a decoction with cardioprotective properties. In several studies, an effect of ginger against the occurrence of arrhythmia has also been demonstrated. [<a href="https://www.rjpbcs.com/pdf/2016_7(1)/[139].pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Lemon-balm-(Melissa-officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

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According to some studies, lemon balm has a cardioprotective effect and can serve as an anti-arrhythmia agent.

Other-herbs

Other herbs

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Antiarrhythmic effect has also been established in the following medicinal plants:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Garlic (Allium sativum);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Magnolia officinalis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Burdock (Arctium lappa);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Grapes (Vitis sp.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and others [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/a_review_on_plants_and_herbal_components_with_antiarrhythmic_activities_and_their_interaction_with_current_cardiac_drugs_32670823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].</li>
</ul>

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Vitamins,-minerals,-arrhythmia-supplements

Vitamins, minerals, arrhythmia supplements

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Omega-3 fatty acids (derived mainly from oily fish);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin C;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Magnesium and potassium.</li>
</ul>

Atherosclerosis

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Atherosclerosis is a disease that depends on many factors and is nevertheless the main causative agent of death and severe damage since it affects the blood vessels of the most important organs - the heart and the brain.

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Essentially, it is the deposition of plaques&nbsp;inside the blood vessels, which hardens them and creates prerequisites for the formation of thrombi, which clog the vessels, and this can lead to heart attack, stroke, gangrene of limbs, and other severe conditions. Inflammation is a major participant in the process.

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The beneficial effect of some herbs against atherosclerosis is based on several different mechanisms:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Lowering the levels of lipids in the blood;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of migration and clustering of monocytes under the layer of cells covering the inside of blood vessels;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of infiltration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of plaque formation.</li>
</ul>

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Here we take a look at some of the medicinal plants that possess one or more of these properties. The information is taken from the scientific article of 2019 "Medicinal Herbs Effective Against Atherosclerosis: Classification According to Mechanism of Action". [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Medicinal_Herbs_Effective_Against_Atherosclerosis_Classification_According_to_Mechanism_of_Action_30917628" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Danschen-or-red-sage-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)

Danschen or red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

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Dried roots of red sage are used in Eastern traditional medicine for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.

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The beneficial effect of the herb is due to its ability to lower lipid levels in the blood, to suppress the accumulation of monocytes under the endothelial in blood vessels, its anti-inflammatory properties, to inhibit plaque formation, infiltration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and its antioxidant effects.

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Therefore, it can be said that danschen is the most suitable herb for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

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Aqueous basil extract lowers LDL-cholesterol levels, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, raises the level of HDL-cholesterol, and has antioxidant effects - properties that work against atherosclerosis.

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St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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Flavonoid-rich St. John's wort extract lowers serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL, temporarily increasing the level of HDL. In addition, it also has antioxidant properties.

Tribulus-terrestris

Tribulus terrestris

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Tribulus Terrestris is a known herb in Europe, the extract of which has the property to lower the level of lipids in the blood - lowers LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)

Black cumin (Nigella sativa)

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Black cumin seed oil lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels and increases HDL levels, which inhibits plaque formation in blood vessels. It also has antioxidant properties.

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Heal-all-(Prunella-vulgaris)

Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris)

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The herb is also called common self-heal,&nbsp;heart-of-the-earth, woundwort, carpenter's herb, brownwort, and blue curls. The spirit extract from an ordinary heal-all inhibits the attachment of cells monocytes and has an anti-inflammatory effect. These properties help in the fight against atherosclerosis.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

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With regard to atherosclerosis, turmeric has similar properties to that of the common heal-all.

High-blood-pressure-(hypertension)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

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In hypertension, a persistent increase in pressure in&nbsp;blood vessels is observed, which severely burdens the heart and leads to damage in the long term.

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An unhealthy lifestyle is a prerequisite for high blood pressure- alcohol, cigarettes, unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, excessive salt consumption. Hypertension in itself can be a symptom of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.

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Herbs that come to the rescue in hypertension have several mechanisms of action - they affect the smooth musculature and endothelium of blood vessels, free radicals (reactive oxygen species, ROS), and suppress the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319878701_Herbs_Used_for_the_Treatment_of_Hypertension_and_their_Mechanism_of_Action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Garlic-(Allium-sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum)

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Garlic is used by folk medicine to lower lipids in the blood and blood pressure. The benefits of this use are also established by science and are believed to be mainly due to alicin and biologically active sulfur compounds in garlic. The only contraindication is the intake of anticoagulants (anti-blood clotting drugs) since in combination with them garlic can intensify bleeding too much.

Green-and-black-tea-(Camellia-sinensis)

Green and black tea (Camellia sinensis)

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It has been found that the long-term daily use (6 months) of black or green tea lowers blood pressure,&nbsp;with the effect of green tea is greater. This is probably due to flavonoids called catechins, which are contained in tea and lead to the expansion of blood vessels, and therefore - a decrease in pressure in them.

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Green tea: 9 unexpected health benefits and how to prepare it

Beetroot-(Beta-vulgaris)

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

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Beet juice has been successfully used to lower blood pressure in several studies in volunteers suffering from hypertension.

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Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_2_0

Saffron has been used for medicinal purposes, including hypertension, for at least 4,000 years. It contains several substances typical of the plant, as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins - all of which have a vasodilating effect. The positive effect of saffron on high blood pressure has also&nbsp;been confirmed by several studies among volunteers.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_2_0

Black cumin oil also has a blood pressure-lowering effect, in addition to lowering lipid levels in the blood. The substance thymoquinone has a vasodilating effect.

Roselle-(Hibiscus-sabdariffa)

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

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Carcade is the name of the tea from the roselle plant. It has a blood pressure-lowering effect, which is more pronounced in people with higher blood pressure. The effect has been confirmed by several studies in animals and humans.

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Other medicinal plants with a hypotensive effect are ginseng (Panax sp.) and danschen or red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza).

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Herbs have the potential to serve as a prophylactic or concomitant treatment. Of course, it should be considered that some of them may interact with the drugs we already take, and therefore consultation with our attending physician is needed to choose the most appropriate medicinal plant for our case and our disease.

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In the next article, in continuation, we will also look at other diseases of the cardiovascular system and herbs, proven to have positive effects on our health and help longevity.

heart arrest

Herbs for a healthy heart. Part 1