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Okay, so no pun intended here. Lyme is hard on the heart, in a number of ways. Hypercoagulation , or a thickening of the blood due to Borrelia’s schemes, means this precious organ has to work harder to pump blood; an autonomic nervous system gone haywire and the presence of the spirochete in the heart causes blood pressure foul-ups, angina and tachycardia. Other dysfunctions, including nutrient deficiencies, are hard on the heart, as well.
Protecting the heart and ensuring it gets an adequate supply of nutrients can ameloriate cardiac and other symptoms and safeguard the organ against damage.
First, many Lyme disease sufferers overlook the importance of treating hypercoagulation. When the blood is too thick, the heart must work harder to pump blood. Nutrients and oxygen don’t reach the cells as easily when this condition is present, and treatment with enzymes and anti-coagulants such as Rechts-Regulat, Nattokinase, Wobenzyme and heparin can be important.
Second, most Lymies are deficient in Coenzyme-Q10, a substance normally found in abundance in the heart and which is involved in energy production. Supplementing with a quality CO-Q10 product ensures the heart’s energy furnace is supplied with ample fuel for its active, 24-7 job.
Next, Hawthorn is a remarkable herb that normalizes heart rhythm and blood pressure irregularities caused by Lyme. Whether blood pressure needs to be raised or lowered, hawthorn can fix the problem. It vanquishes arrhythmias and makes efficient contractions of the heart, so that it beats stronger, slower and more powerfully.
Khella is another stellar heart herb, because it dilates coronary arteries, which increases blood supply to the heart. I have been using this herb over the past year, with good effects.
A few other herbs used for treatment of other conditions in Lyme are also cardioprotective, including andrographis and japanese knotweed.
Finally, ensuring an adequate intake of the macrominerals magnesium, potassium and calcium, will help to regulate and normalize heart rhythms. Cream of tartar, which is a form of potassium, is one powerful way to ensure a sufficient supply of this macromineral.