The heart is in a constant state of motion, helping to circulate blood containing oxygen and other nutrients through the vascular system to all of the tissues throughout the body. Defects or disorders in any part of the heart or vascular system may quickly lead to tissue damage or death.

Cholesterol has long been believed to be the primary factor indicating the risk of heart disease. Though this is not the only factor since arteriosclerosis can still form when cholesterol levels are low, and may not form even if cholesterol levels are excessive. The key to arterial plaque formation is actually inflammation of the arterial walls. When the arterial walls become inflamed, calcified cholesterol deposits over the damaged area to as "patchwork" for the injured area. As the cholesterol continues to deposit, the arteries narrow, and may eventually become completely blocked. Some factors that lead to arterial inflammation include bacterial infection, high blood pressure, increased homocysteine levels, free radical damage, and rising insulin levels from poor diet, Type II Diabetes, and insulin therapy.

Evidence is quickly gaining that hypothyroidism (low Thyroid) may be the strongest factor raising the risk of heart disease. The heart muscle contains receptors for, and therefore is influenced by thyroid hormones. For example, the thyroid hormone Triiodothyronine (T3) improves heart pumping and slightly increases heart rate while improving circulation by reducing vascular resistance. The increased risk of heart disease, which occurs with hypothyroidism, is believed to be in part due to a decreased ability to break down fats such as cholesterols and triglycerides. Low thyroid also inhibits the enzyme methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) that is required for the remethylation, and therefore reduction, of the inflammatory compound homocysteine. Hypothyroidism also decreases levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), also know as "good cholesterol" because they lower levels of harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDLs).

Another major factor increasing the risk of heart disease is high insulin levels. Insulin can damage blood vessels, including arteries, leading to inflammation or destruction of the blood vessels. Insulin damage is most often seen in diabetics where insulin damage leads to loss of vision (retinopathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), gangrene, and heart disease. Insulin levels may raise excessively with the ingestion of large amounts of carbohydrates, and when a person is under mental stress. Mental stress leads to an increased release of cortisol, which in turn releases stored glycogen from the liver leading to increased blood sugar levels. In turn, more insulin is released to lower the elevated blood sugar.

Mental stress can contribute to heart disease through several mechanisms. Mental stress decreases levels of Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), leading to decreased production of the Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 (thyroxin). Chronic stress can overexert the adrenal glands leading to a decrease of cortisol. Cortisol is required to convert T4 into the more biologically active T3. Decreased cortisol levels further aggravate arteriosclerosis by increasing inflammation, and increasing stress responses.

Furthermore, stress increases the risk of heart disease by increasing epinephrine (adrenaline) release, which in turn constricts blood vessels while increasing heart rate and force. This increased pressure on the arteries damages the arteries leading to inflammation of the arterial walls and finally plaque build up on the walls.

Hawthorn Berry- Used to strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure. Bioflavonoids in the berries strengthen blood vessel walls, and have antioxidant activity.

Apple Fiber- Contains soluble and insoluble fibers that lower cholesterol. Binds to heavy metals, which contribute to heart disease, and pulls them from the body.

Bamboo- Rich in silica to strengthen blood vessel walls, to reduce arterial inflammation, and prevent arterial plaque build up. Strengthens the heart muscle.

Jiaogulan- Seven times higher in sterols than Ginseng. Sterols dilate blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, including of arterial walls. Jiaogulan lowers levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol.

Coleus Forskohlii- Increases levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a chemical regulator for the body. Increased levels or cAMP stimulate the nitric oxide pathway thereby dilating blood, which lowers blood pressure. In addition, cAMP increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, as does CoQ10, which strengthens the heart muscle. Forskohlii also reduces inflammation to reduce the risk of arterial plaque build up. Forskohlii has a regulating effect on the thyroid.

Arjuna- Medical studies from India show that Arjuna is effective for the treatment and prevention of angina, congestive heart failure, and heart attack. Arjuna strengthens the heart muscle and blood vessel walls. Arjuna has antibiotic properties, which can help prevent arterial plaque formation.

Magnesium Citrate- Magnesium works similarly to calcium channel blockers used to lower the blood pressure. By displacing calcium in the nerve synapse magnesium relaxes blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. Magnesium also improves the pumping of the heart by increasing coronary blood flow. By displacing calcium in the arterial plaque magnesium softens the plaque making it easier for removal by the body.

Dan Shen- Dan shen slows the heart, and by increasing coronary blood flow, strengthens the contractions, and helps to correct irregular heartbeat. Dan shen has been shown to help prevent the damage to the heart and brain that normally occurs after heart attack or strokes. Dan shen dissolves blood clots and prevents the formation of new ones. Dan shen lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Dan shen prevents oxidative damage to nerve cells in the heart and brain.

Bupleurum- Bupleurum has a tonic effect on the heart and lungs, which improves circulation and respiration. Bupleurum also prevents edema, which is often associated with congestive heart failure. Bupleurum reduces inflammation, which helps prevent arterial plaque formation. It also contains rutin, which strengthens blood vessel walls.

Amla- Nature's richest source of vitamin C and high in antioxidant bioflavonoids and polyphenols. Amla also increases levels of superoxide dismutase, which reduces arterial inflammation and protects the cells from oxidative injury. The antibiotic and immune stimulatory properties may help prevent bacterial induced plaque formation.

Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu)- Helps to balance the endocrine system and remove plaque from the arteries.

Zizyphus- Source of cAMP, and stimulates cAMP production, which lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle by increasing levels of ATP.

Chromium- Helps to maintain proper blood sugar balance, which helps lower triglycerides and helps prevent insulin induced arterial damage.

Zinc- Used in the formation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Sargasso Seaweed- Provides vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to support the heart and endocrine system. Helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Algins in seaweed bind to heavy metals to chelate these metals from the body.

Potassium- Helps with proper heart function and helps lower blood pressure.

Recommend 1/2 teaspoon three times daily, 20 minutes before meals.

Note: The herbal claims being made are based on historical uses and scientific research from outside the U.S.A. They have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a guide for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease.