Homeopathy has much to offer in cases of heart disease, however, even if you are philosophically opposed to allopathic approaches, if you think you have a cardiac problem, it is vital to seek medical advice and obtain a cardiac diagnostic work-up and prognosis. This will better enable you to assess treatment options and outcomes and decide upon the best course of care, which may be to integrate medical, surgical and homeopathic approaches.

Where there is minimal or no tissue change, homeopathy may be very effective, but it is doubtful where there is advanced disease with tissue changes, in which case it is preferable to include homeopathy as an adjunct to allopathic care, because it may still be beneficial in improving overall health.

Complaints such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, arrhythmias, palpitations, angina, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disorders are commonly seen by homeopaths. While the diagnosis is important in assessing tissue change, and monitoring effectiveness of treatment, homeopathy does not treat the diagnosis, but instead treats the whole person, so the homeopath will also be interested in all your other physical symptoms, such as your sleep patterns, dreams, appetite, life experience, and mental and emotional aspects. As a result, the remedy is chosen uniquely for you, so even though other people may have the same diagnosis, each would receive a different remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are made from a wide range of sources, and are administered in minute doses. They may be taken along with allopathic medication, and will not interfere with it, however, as you improve, your medication dosage may need to be lowered, but this should only be done by your doctor - never change or come off medication without your doctor’s advice.

Some remedies have a particular affinity with cardiovascular problems, for example, Cactus, for constricting chest pain and difficulty breathing, worse on exertion; and where there is coldness and cold sweat, difficulty breathing, a desire to sit up to avoid suffocation, and abdominal bloating improved by belching, Carbo vegetalis may be the answer. Digitalis is well known as an allopathic medication, but has been used for centuries by homeopaths in cases of congestive heart failure or arrythmias, when there is faintness, trouble breathing, slow pulse and a feeling that the heart will stop on the slightest movement. A feeling of oppression in the heart, palpitations and a bursting sensation and feeling of suffocation, intolerance to heat, and worse at night or lying on the left side, may indicate Lachesis. Naja, Spigelia and Spongia may be helpful where there is disease of the valves, with loud murmurs. Arsenicum, soothing where there is great anxiety and fear of dying, is the main remedy for atrial fibrillation, and Argenticum nitricum has the sensation that the heart will be dislodged and is better for pressing on the front of the chest. Aconitum is very useful where there are sudden, violent palpitations, often waking one from sleep, with profound fear.

Finally, if cardiovascular surgery is indicated, homeopathic remedies can help to reduce bleeding and the effects of anaesthaesia, and generally facilitate recovery.