Natural Treatment of Heart Attack and Myocardial Infarction with Medicinal Herbs

A heart attack is a condition in which an area of the heart muscle is damaged due to insufficient oxygen supply, and it is a leading cause of mortality. The causes of a heart attack include narrowing of blood vessels due to atherosclerosis, which leads to damage to heart tissue. A clot forms, and the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen, resulting in unbearable pain in the heart area accompanied by spasms in the arms, abdomen, and back.

This most commonly occurs in the coronary artery, which narrows. Damaged tissues permanently lose the ability to contract in that part of the heart muscle. Other associated symptoms include sweating, intense fear, blue lips, paleness, rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure.

Tissue deprived of oxygen dies if the narrowed heart tissue is not reopened within a few hours. The larger the area of dead tissue, the lower the chance of survival, making it critical to seek medical help as quickly as possible.

At the first signs of a heart attack, you should immediately go to the hospital or call emergency medical services. Until the doctor arrives, try to remove tight clothing, open a window wide, lie down, and avoid getting upset.

Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, hypotension, diabetes mellitus, a diet high in fats, high blood cholesterol levels, obesity, individuals over 65 years old, and hereditary factors. The disease affects men more than women. Risk is increased by a personal or family history of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, angina (especially unstable angina), or kidney failure requiring hemodialysis.

A "trigger" for a heart attack can sometimes, though rarely, be sudden severe stress. In older individuals, straining during defecation can be a risk factor. Acute heart attacks affect approximately two out of 1,000 people annually and are a leading cause of sudden death in adults.

An acute heart attack requires immediate medical intervention. Hospital treatment typically lasts 1–14 days. Immediate ECG monitoring is necessary due to arrhythmias, which can be fatal in the first few hours after an acute heart attack. The goal of treatment is to reduce heart strain to prevent potential complications and address existing ones.

Initially, physical activities are restricted and then gradually increased. In emergency interventions, medications and infusion solutions are administered via an intravenous catheter. Depending on the general condition, invasive diagnostic methods may be applied. A urinary catheter is often inserted to monitor body fluid status. Oxygen is typically administered, even if blood oxygen levels are normal, to ensure rapid tissue supply and reduce heart strain.

Dietary restrictions are not always necessary, but when indicated, food should be low in salt, caffeine-free, and low in fat. In some patients, urgent surgical intervention is required.

The outcome depends on the size and location of the damaged tissue. Damage to the electrical conduction system (impulses controlling heart function) worsens the prognosis. In one-third of cases, the outcome is fatal. If the patient survives two hours after the attack, the likelihood of survival increases, though complications are not ruled out. If no complications occur, full recovery is possible. A heart attack does not necessarily cause disability, and the patient can gradually return to normal life and daily activities, including sexual activity.

Self-Help Measures for Natural Treatment of Heart Attack - Myocardial Infarction

After a heart attack, use these holistic remedies only under medical supervision to complement prescribed treatment and support cardiovascular health:

1. Eat Alkaline Foods: Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables to support heart health, following a doctor-approved diet plan.
2. Reduce Salt Intake: Limit salt to manage blood pressure, with medical guidance to avoid complications.
3. Avoid Harmful Substances: Eliminate nicotine, coffee, and most alcohol; small amounts of red wine may be allowed if approved by your doctor due to its tannin content.
4. Incorporate Garlic: Consume garlic for its allicin content, which may support blood pressure and cholesterol regulation, under medical advice.
5. Maintain Healthy Weight: Work toward a healthy body weight through doctor-guided diet and exercise to reduce heart strain.
6. Support Heart Health with Nutrients: Include foods rich in lecithin, vitamin C, and raw carrots to help manage cholesterol and blood pressure, with doctor’s approval.
7. Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation to reduce stress, guided by a professional.
8. Stabilize Circulation: Use doctor-approved methods like dry towel rubbing, gentle washing, or cold chest compresses to support circulation.
9. Practice Deep Breathing: Regularly perform full breathing exercises to improve oxygen flow, under medical supervision.
10. Use Herbal Ointments: Massage chest with white hawthorn ointment to support heart health, ensuring no skin sensitivity and with doctor’s approval.
11. Drink Heart-Supportive Teas: Sip camphor, white hawthorn, or mistletoe teas to support heart function and blood pressure, checking for allergies and with medical guidance.
12. Stay Active Outdoors: Engage in doctor-approved light physical activity in fresh air to promote cardiovascular health.

Important Note

Heart attacks are life-threatening and require immediate emergency medical care. At the first signs, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or arm pain, call emergency services. Natural remedies cannot treat or prevent heart attacks and should only be used during recovery under a doctor’s supervision. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management to prevent complications.