Congestive Heart Failure

In congestive heart failure (CHF), a weakened, or "failing," heart doesn't pump as efficiently as it should. As a result, not enough oxygen-rich blood gets delivered to all parts of the body. Often simply called heart failure, CHF typically lingers and worsens over time. As blood flow from the heart slows, the blood returning to the heart backs up, leading to "congestion" in the tissues. Fluid can accumulate in the lungs, causing shortness of breath; can pool in the ankles, making them swell up; or can produce myriad other symptoms.

A heart attack, which scars the heart and interferes with its pumping ability, frequently results in CHF. Other causes include persistent high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, long-term drug or alcohol abuse, and infections of the heart muscle or valves.

Supplements and herbs

Various medications can strengthen the heart's pumping action, expand blood vessels, increase blood flow, and eliminate excess fluid from the body. In consultation with your doctor, all these supplements can be taken long term along with conventional medications to help slow the progression of CHF. Benefits may appear within three to four weeks.

A good starting strategy is to add antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, to your daily regimen. Taken regularly, they play a role in reducing damage from the highly reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can injure the heart and other organs. Coenzyme Q10 also has energy-boosting properties.

Other supplements can be added to the mix as well. The herb hawthorn may be particularly effective in the early stages of CHF, helping widen blood vessels and improve blood flow throughout the body. Carnitine (an amino acid-like substance) plus the amino acid taurine help the heart beat more strongly and lower blood pressure. And taking the mineral magnesium can aid in reducing blood pressure and preventing dangerous arrhythmias, a common complication in those with CHF.

Finally, people with heart failure may benefit from two additional supplements. One is the herb ginkgo biloba, which improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the heart. The other is thiamin. Many people with CHF have low levels of this B vitamin because they take the diuretic Lasix (furosemide) in an effort to rid the body of excess fluids. But long-term use of Lasix depletes thiamin levels, so getting an extra amount may help boost the heart's pumping power.

Additional things you may do

• Get plenty of rest and don't undertake strenuous activity.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals, which require less energy to digest.
• Reduce your salt intake and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.

Usual dosage

Vitamin C / Vitamin E

1,000 mg vitamin C 3 times a day; 400 IU vitamin E daily.
Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant medications.

Coenzyme Q 10

100 mg twice a day.
For best absorption, take with food.

Hawthorn

100-150 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to contain at least 1.8% vitexin.

Carnitine

1,000 mg L-carnitine twice a day on an empty stomach.
When using for longer than 1 month, add a mixed amino acid complex (follow package directions).

Taurine

500 mg L-taurine twice a day on an empty stomach.
When using for longer than 1 month, add a mixed amino acid complex (follow package directions).

Magnesium

400 mg twice a day with food.
Do not take if you have kidney disease.

Ginkgo biloba

40 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to have at least 24% flavone glycosides.

Thiamin

200 mg a day.
Also called vitamin B1.

Other beneficial herbs

• Arjuna
• Coleus
• Foxglove
• Guggul
• Lily of the Valley
• Squill

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