Content on this website is intended for general information only. For answers
to your specific questions or to schedule treatment, we invite you to
contact us at 301-588-5858.
Acupuncture and Natural Medicine for Cardiovascular Health
We offer a type of holistic care which does not rely on
pharmaceuticals and may be used alongside pharmaceutical treatments for
certain heart conditions. Many heart conditions are worsened by stress.
Our practice provides
acupuncture and personalized coaching in
meditation so that patients can experience a significant reduction in emotional stress.
Research studies have shown that acupuncture can be beneficial for certain
cardiovascular conditions including hypertension, atrial fibrillation
1, and angina
2.
In treating patients with these conditions, our goal is not to replace
the specialized care which is required from a cardiologist. Patients
should take medications as directed and continue with all follow-up
appointments recommended by a cardiologist.
Exercise is often a key aspect of health promotion and reduction of
cardiovascular risk. We can help patients to achieve improvements in
exercise tolerance with recommendations for exercise that are
appropriate to an individual's health status. In the case of ischemic
heart disease, we use the concept of metabolic equivalent tasks (MET),
originally developed by W.L. Haskell in his book,
Rehabilitation of the Coronary Patient.
Because cardiovascular conditions increase in prevalence with increasing
age, many patients with these conditions may also suffer from other
conditions as well. Our treatments can help the body's systems to
function more efficiently so that the body's remaining physiologic
reserve energy can help the patient enjoy better health for a longer
period of time. This aspect of our care is also important in our
treatment of patients having
liver and
kidney concerns, as well as other concerns affecting
multiple organs or systems.
For patients who are overweight,
Dr. Windsor offers compassionate and respectful care for weight reduction. For patients who are trying to reduce their
use of
alcohol, or who are trying to quit smoking, we offer support for making lifestyle changes as well as support for
addiction recovery.
Conditions Affecting the Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system includes the heart as well as the arteries and
veins which move blood through the body. Cardiovascular conditions
affect millions of adults in the United States, and the effects of these
conditions can range from minor to severe. There are many types and
causes of cardiovascular disease, including:
• Angina Pectoralis
• Aortic Regurgitation
• Atherosclerosis
• Arrythmia
•
Atrial Fibrillation
•
Diabetes
• Disorders of Metabolic Pathways
•
Endocarditis
•
Hypertension
• Inherited
Genetic Conditions
• Ischemic Heart Disease
• Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy
•
Metabolic Syndrome
•
Myocarditis
•
Pericarditis
• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (Amyloidosis)
•
Sarcoidosis
•
Stress Cardiomyopathy
•
Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy
• Tricuspid Regurgitation
• Tumors including Myxoma, Rhabdomyoma, and Sarcoma
• Valve Disease
Pharmaceutical Treatments are Often Necessary
But May Have Side-Effects
Pharmaceutical treatments are often necessary but can have side-effects
in addition to their desired actions. Amiodarone is commonly prescribed
for heart conditions such as
atrial fibrillation.
While this drug is highly effective for treatment of certain heart
problems, it can sometimes have side-effects affecting other organs
including the
lungs and thyroid gland (an Endocrine gland). Endocrine disorders can sometimes cause worsening of
pre-existing heart problems. In some cases this can create challenges to
treatment using pharmaceutical methods alone.
"I believe a holistic approach should consider your health now as well
as many years into the future. Due to the prevalence of heart disease,
cardiovascular health is one of the most important factors. Depending on
the specific situation, acupuncture treatment for cardiovascular
concerns may benefit from a coordinated approach between the
acupuncturist and the cardiologist. "
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.