Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its death toll has significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Wang-Chuan Chen, the honorary president of the Taipei Chinese Medical Association, provided valuable insights on identifying symptoms of cardiovascular diseases on a YouTube program. Additionally, he demonstrated how acupressure points, Chinese herbal medicine, and diet can help maintain a healthy heart and promote smooth blood circulation.
According to data released by the American Heart Association on Jan. 25, 2023, the number of people who died from cardiovascular disease in the United States increased from 874,613 in 2019 to 928,741 in 2020, surpassing the previous record of 910,000 in 2003. This alarming trend highlights the importance of knowing how to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Causes and Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases
In modern medicine, blood lipids are generally categorized into three types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride. LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to various tissues through the bloodstream. HDL, on the other hand, transports cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver.
High levels of LDL in the blood can lead to excessive cholesterol accumulation on the inner walls of blood vessels, causing the vessels to be hardened or blocked. As a result, it increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, or sudden death. Elevated triglycerides can result in similar consequences.
Chen mentioned that while some people develop cardiovascular diseases due to genetic factors, many other cases are attributed to unhealthy lifestyles. Excessive consumption of fried foods, offal, sweets, and high-sodium foods can lead to elevated levels of LDL in the blood, gradually hardening blood vessels. Additionally, obesity is also one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. For every kilogram of weight gained from one’s standard weight, the heart requires an additional two kilometers of blood vessels just to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients, putting extra strain on the heart.
Mr. Chen explained that poor blood circulation can potentially lead to a stroke. A hardened carotid artery can result in inadequate blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness and blurred vision when getting up in the morning. It could also affect steering control while driving, increasing the risk of accidents. If the blockage happens in arteries in the limbs, it can cause numbness in the hands and feet, bloating, and chest tightness.
He recalled, “I have seen many cases, including one of my medical school students, who complained of sudden diarrhea and hoarseness in the voice without any apparent cause. I advised him to undergo relevant heart examinations, and to my surprise, the tests revealed a myocardial infarction (heart attack). He immediately received a stent, which alleviated his pain.”
Mr. Chen also pointed out that vascular aging can be observed visually. He listed several physical clues, including:
- Distinct horizontal wrinkles on the earlobes.
- Skin folds or wrinkles resembling the Chinese character 井.
- Purple discoloration on the edge of the tongue.
- Engorged veins under the tongue.
- Bruises dotting the body.
- Numbness in the ring or little finger of the left hand.
All of these may be indicators of cardiovascular disease.
4 Acupoints for Natural Symptom Relief
Mr. Chen introduced four acupoints that, when pressed, can enhance the flow of qi and blood, thus improving cardiovascular function.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. They are responsible for transporting qi and blood throughout the body, fundamental substances that constitute and sustain human life.
The internal organs are connected to various parts of the body through these meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, often places where nerves and blood vessels converge. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques like acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.
For chest tightness, press the Neiguan acupoint located on the inner side of the forearm, about three finger widths above the wrist crease. Taking deep breaths while pressing the acupoint can improve mood and chest discomfort.
For poor digestion and abnormal bowel movements, press the Zhigou acupoint located on the backside of the forearm, about four finger widths above the wrist crease, between the ulna and radius bones. This can help improve intestinal peristalsis and blood circulation.
For neck stiffness or headaches, press the Hegu acupoint located between the thumb and index finger, which can help clear one’s head and improve one’s vision.
There is a Danzhong acupoint right in between one’s breasts. Pressing this acupoint can help promote smooth breathing.
Exercise and Breathing Techniques for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Mr. Chen stated that slow walking holds little significance in preventing cardiovascular disease. Instead, he recommends brisk walking or jogging for approximately 40 minutes to one hour each session. Mr. Chen himself walks 7,700 steps every day, which significantly improves blood circulation. Interestingly, he does not advocate mountain climbing as an exercise for cardiovascular disease prevention due to its potential adverse effects on people with degenerative arthritis.
In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2019, researchers from Harvard Medical School recorded the walking data of over 10,000 older women during a seven-day period between 2011 and 2015. After an average follow-up period of 4.3 years, the researchers found that the number of daily steps taken was associated with mortality risk.
Subjects who walked approximately 4,400 steps per day experienced a significant 41 percent reduction in mortality rate compared to those who walked only 2,700 steps per day. The mortality rate continued to decrease with higher step counts, leveling off at approximately 7,500 steps per day.
Mr. Chen also shared a breathing technique that can be performed at home:
- First, inhale through your nose until you reach your limit.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth until you cannot exhale any further.
- Repeat the process.
Doing this for about 10 minutes daily helps prevent oxygen and blood deficiency in the heart while increasing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, leading to a more energetic state. To yield the best result, practice this technique for 10 minutes both in the morning and evening.
Mr. Chen also stressed the significant impact our mood has on our bodies. Feeling anxious or depressed daily can lead to poor blood circulation and strain the heart. Therefore, it is crucial to relax, maintain a positive outlook on life, and avoid obsessions.
Dietary Remedy for Angina: Lean Pork and Sanqi Powder
People with cardiovascular disease must be mindful of their diet. Mr. Chen recommended a medicinal recipe incorporating the Chinese herb Sanqi (Panax notoginseng) for severe conditions like angina and myocardial infarction. This remedy promotes blood circulation, dispels blood stasis, stops bleeding, and alleviates pain.
Preparation: Prepare 150 grams of lean pork and 20 grams of Sanqi powder. If desired, you can add ginger slices or garlic cloves for seasoning. Steam the ingredients in a porcelain bowl over water until cooked. Consume the dish one hour before meals, once every two to three days.
Some people may wonder if consuming lean meat is suitable for those with cardiovascular disease. Mr. Chen explained that many individuals who avoid eating any meat are at risk of high triglyceride levels. On the other hand, consuming lean meat in moderation can lower triglycerides, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
10 Heart-Healthy Foods
Mr. Chen recommended the following 10 foods for cardiovascular health and explained what each does:
- Hawthorn aids in digestion.
- Black fungus promotes blood circulation and prevents the accumulation of blood lipids.
- Oats lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol while cleansing blood.
- Garlic promotes blood circulation and lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
- Onion possesses anticoagulant properties.
- Chayote shoots promote blood circulation, enhance heart and kidney functions, and boost the immune system.
- Spinach nourishes blood, as it is rich in iron.
- Walnuts protect cerebral vessels and increase dopamine levels in the brain.
- Chinese yam regulates gastrointestinal function.
- Varieties of fruit vinegar, such as apple, pineapple, and peach, contain amino acids that can soften blood vessels and increase vascular elasticity, thus preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Mr. Chen stated that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can also help soften blood vessels, reduce triglycerides, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and improve blood circulation.
*Note: Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in health food and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.