Myocardial infarction (MI)


Definition of the pathology

An acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted, most often due to a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries of the heart.


Associated Symptoms

The most characteristic symptom of an acute heart attack is a squeezing pain in the heart on the left side of the chest, which may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Feeling unwell
  • Feeling of sickness
  • Cold sweat
  • Paleness
  • Feeling of heaviness or burning in the stomach
  • Tightness in the throat
  • Pain in the armpit or left arm

Causes to be evaluated

  • The main cause of acute myocardial infarction is atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels in the form of plaques, which can obstruct blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.
  • In addition to atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction can be caused by non-atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, congenital disorders and haematological disorders.

Some factors can increase your chances of having a heart attack, such as:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Sedentarism
  • Diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fibre, fruit and vegetables
  • Older age
  • Male sex and genetic conditions considered to be non-modifiable risk factors
  • Dyslipidaemia and hypertension

Naturopathic Protocol

It is important to prevent heart attacks by adopting a restrictive lifestyle:

  • Overweight, obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Inflammation
  • Excess salt
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and omega-3)

🍽️ Nutrition

  • Eat a balanced diet. The Mediterranean diet is recommended: olive oil, fish, fresh vegetables and fruit...
  • It is important to choose fibre, unsaturated fats (omega 3, 6, 9) and whole grains over refined sugars and saturated fats.
  • Think of "Miam-Ô-Fruit", a breakfast rich in omega 3! It is ideal for heart health and provides all the fruit and vitamin C you need for the day.
  • Red fruits are antioxidants that help lower blood pressure. Eat organic grapes, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries... every week.
  • Avoid fried foods, cakes, animal fats, red meat, industrial pastries and very salty and sweet processed foods.
  • You may be aware that the WHO has recognised that red meat contributes to clogged arteries! If you are a meat lover, try replacing it with poultry, fish, tofu or vegetables. Discover new ways of cooking!

🌿 Phytotherapy

Foxglove is undoubtedly the best known plant for its effects on heart function, but its use is hampered by its toxicity. Natural herbal treatments are useful for heart problems, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack. Caution! Do not make infusions or teas from foxglove as they can be very toxic (poisonous) and even fatal!

Used both for its culinary and medicinal properties, Garlic has many virtues that fight both cholesterol levels and high triglycerides, but some studies also show that garlic has a preventive role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, that it is antiplatelet and that it is also hypotensive.

  • It can be used simply fresh and grated, consuming 1 to 2 cloves a day.
  • It can also be used in tincture or even powder form, where a dose of 2 to 4 grams is required.
  • However, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants.

Hawthorn: it is called the plant of broken hearts because it calms the sympathetic system and has many interesting properties in cardiovascular disease: it normalises the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, increases the heart's contractility and its conductivity. In fact, hawthorn makes the heart work better.

  • The plant can be taken in the form of an infusion of leaves and flowers, a tincture or a glycerine macerate of buds (gemotherapy).
  • In some people, hawthorn can cause bradycardia (a heart that beats too slowly).
  • It is then sufficient to reduce the dose.

Motherwort: has antihypertensive properties and works against chronic stress. Studies show that these flavonoids help to combat oxidative stress in the mitochondria, allowing better heart function.

  • It can be used as an infusion or as a mother tincture.
  • You can then take 30 to 60 drops, 1 to 4 times a day.
  • However, this plant is contraindicated in pregnancy and when taking anticoagulants.

Corn: is a heart healer after a heart attack in the form of a bud extract. It also has anti-inflammatory properties in arterial tissue.

  • Take 5 to 15 drops a day in the morning, gradually increasing the number of drops.

🌺 Aromatherapy

Essential oil formula that can be applied to a person's chest while waiting for help. It consists of:

  • 3 ml of Khella essential oil, which has antispasmodic, anticoagulant and coronarobronchodilator properties
  • 2 ml of Curry plant essential oil, which has decongestant properties
  • 1 ml of Ylang Ylang essential oil, which has respiratory and cardiac calming properties
  • Topped up with 80% vegetable oil
  • Apply 10 to 25 drops of the mixture to the heart area of the skin and repeat every ¼ hour while waiting for help.

💊 Micronutrition

Some supplements can help maintain good cardiovascular health and reduce the incidence of heart attacks.

  • Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. It has many functions, such as anti-inflammatory, blood pressure regulator, and even necessary for the production of energy (ATP) in the mitochondria.
  • Vitamin D plays a much more important role in the fixation of calcium than is generally realised. This vitamin, which is more like a hormone, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to suffer heart attacks, especially the elderly and obese.
  • Omega-3s are well known for their ability to prevent cardiovascular disease. It is mainly found in fatty fish such as sardines, herring and mackerel, or in the form of supplements.
  • Coenzyme Q10 or Ubiquinol is an antioxidant that is essential for our health. It seems to have a positive effect on mortality from heart attacks. It also appears to be necessary for people taking statins, which, by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-Co-A reductase and thus the production of cholesterol, also block the endogenous production of coenzyme Q10, which is needed for energy production in the mitochondria. Its deficiency explains some of the adverse effects of statins, such as fatigue or even muscle pain.
  • Many other micronutrients are needed for cardiovascular health, including B vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols such as resveratrol and beta-carotene.

🧘‍♂️ Manual Techniques

Cortisol, also known as the 'stress hormone', raises blood pressure. Stress affects the whole body. It is one of our body's worst enemies. The heart needs quiet, restful sleep and a good dose of inner peace to stay healthy!

What helps:

Exercise is one of your heart's best allies. In fact, exercise and breathing maintain the cardiovascular system. 

  • You don't have to run a marathon: 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day will change your life. 
  • You can walk, swim, try a martial art, do some weight training, run...