There are very few well-designed studies examining the safety and effectiveness of herbal treatments, and many herbs have not been studied at all. "Natural" is not synonymous with safe. There can be serious and even fatal interactions between prescription heart medications and herbal treatments. If you are considering the use of herbal remedies, discuss the issue first with your physician. The following are a just a few examples of serious interactions that can occur:

• Ephedra: can increase blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels.
• Garlic: taken in combination with blood thinning medications, such as Coumadin, can cause excessive bleeding.
• Ginkgo biloba: this supplement can also cause bleeding to become excessive when it is taken with blood thinning medications.
• Ginseng: can be problematic for people with hypertension.
• Ginger: can hinder blood clotting mechanisms.

Heart-healthy means eating a diet that is low in sodium, cholesterol, and fat. Foods that best meet this requirement are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

A diet high in sodium, fat and cholesterol is associated with higher blood pressure, increased weight, and elevated blood cholesterol levels, all of which increase the chances that atherosclerosis will occur. Atherosclerosis is the hallmark of coronary artery disease and consists of the build-up of fatty deposits on the inside of the artery walls.