Dr Sinatra HEART, HEALTH & NUTRITION

7/30/2019 Dr Sinatra HEART, HEALTH & NUTRITION

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Dear Reader,

The dictionary definition of mania is exces-sive or unreasonable enthusiasm, and it perfectlydescribes what has been going on for years inthe medical community when it comes to lower-ing cholesterol with statins. The fact is thatabout a third of cardiologists take statin drugsthemselves, many for preventive reasons, believ-ing that cholesterol is the cause of heart disease.

I even saw a recent paper suggesting that all men over 50whetherthey have heart disease or notshould take a statin drug. This is

insanity, particularly since some of my medical colleagues who are alsoconcerned about the overuse of statins are beginning to see evidencethat these drugs can lead to heart failure when used long term.

As you know, I dont believe that statins should ever be used forprevention. Only men with diagnosed heart disease stand to benefitfrom taking these drugs. So is there somethinganythingthat allof us doctors can actually agree on, including those of us in the inte-grative camp who dont believe in the exaggerated cholesterol theory?There is, I believe. I am often asked what I think is the single mostimportant cardiovascular blood test. While it is, of course, importantto get a comprehensive blood screening, my choice is to pay particular

attention to the level of triglycerides, and how it equates to HDL level.This is the real story.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Too much of itcontributes to inflammation, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and arte-rial disease. Lets say, for instance, you have a triglyceride level of 100,which is borderline elevated, and an HDL of 50, which is good. Thatequals a ratio of 2, which is fine. The lower the ratio, the lower theincidence of heart disease. Everybody agrees on this.

Unfortunately, many people dont have such a sweet ratio. Theymay have a triglyceride level of 200 (or higher) and HDL of 40 (or

lower). Divide HDL into the triglycerides and youre in the danger zonewith a ratio of 5. And there is a mountain of data showing that if yourtriglycerides are high and your HDL is low, you are headed for trouble.

For those with high triglycerides and low HDL, there isnt a magi-cal pill to pop. But the best treatment options are natural, cheap, and

very effective. First you need to lose weight. You also need to cut down onsugar and refined carbohydrates. Finally, you need to exercise regularly.

All simple solutions with no side effectsexcept for positive ones.

A Cardiologists Guide to Total Wellness July 20

Dr. Stephen Sinatras

Stephen Sinatra, MD

Get More of Dr. Sinatr

Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC, FACNCNS is a board-certiied cardiologistand certiied bioenergetic analyst withmore than 30 years o experience inhelping patients prevent and reverseheart disease. Dr. Sinatra integrates the

best conventional medical treatmentswith complementary nutritional andpsychological therapies.

Dr. Sinatra is an Assistant Clinical Proessat the University o Connecticut School oMedicine and is author o numerous booincluding Lower Your Blood Pressure inEight Weeks, Heart Sense for Women,Reverse Heart Disease Now, and EarthingHe is a Fellow o the American College oCardiology; Fellow o the American Collego Nutrition; board certifed in internalmedicine and cardiology; and certifed inanti-aging medicine, clinical nutrition, andbioenergetic analysis.

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2/8Heart, HealtH & Nutri tioN July 2012

Periodically I like to get on the phone with ahandful of other integrative cardiology phy-sicians whom I greatly respectcall them myheart-health dream teamfor updates on newreatments and tests or just to hear what recom-

mendations are continuing to work well for their

patients. What follows are the highlights from mymost recent round of cardio communications.

Peter Langsjoen, M.D., has more clinical expe-rience with CoQ10 than any other physician inhe United States. He has written more than 25

published studies on CoQ10.

CoQ10 powerfully improves cardiac function inmy heart patients, said Dr Langsjoen. It hasbeen a fundamental part of my practice eversince my father (also a cardiologist) and I firststudied the effect of CoQ10 in heart failure. Wepublished our initial findings in 1985. At thatime we used 33 mg of CoQ10 three times daily

with meals. Today, I recommend 200 to 600 mgdaily in divided doses to my heart failure patients.Because of individual absorption differences, theower dosage works for some people, while others

need a higher dosage in order to reach a therapeu-ic blood level of 4 to 5 mcg/mL.

Dr. Langsjoen also reported on CoQ10s effect oncholesterol. High cholesterol, as we all know, isregarded by mainstream medicine as a primarycause of heart disease. Although I believe thathis theory is false, there may be validity to the

potential for oxidized cholesterol to create harmo our blood vessels. Cholesterol becomes oxidized

from excess free radicals generated by thingsike air pollution, smoking, emotional stress, and

heavy metal toxicity. CoQ10 and cholesterol travelogether in lipoproteins, and supplemental CoQ10

has been shown to protect cholesterol from oxida-ion. This antioxidant role of CoQ10 may be usefuln the prevention of atherosclerosis.

The Sinatra Spin: I first became excited aboutCoQ10 after reading the landmark studies theLangsjoens wrote back in the 1980s. Since thenI have had consistently great results with CoQ10and made it a keystone in my metabolic cardiologystrategy. If mainstream cardiologists were to put

their biases against nutritional supplements asideand give CoQ10 a chance, they would be doing agreat service for their patients.

Stephen Devries, M.D., Executive Director, TheGaples Institute for Integrative Cardiology, and

Associate Professor at Northwestern University,weighed in on the crucial importance of diet whenit comes to heart health. As a foundational strat-egy, there is no intervention in cardiology as potenas the time-tested Mediterranean diet. Studiesshow it can reduce the risk of heart attack by

70 percent, he explained. The basics are simple:5 daily servings of vegetables; 2 servings of fruit;whole grains over refined; 2 fish meals/week; minimizing red meat; and a predominant use of oliveoil. If you dont like fish, a fish oil supplement canbe helpful for prevention.

Exercise is also critical for Dr. Devries. As a secondfoundational strategy, physical activity is a must.Unfortunately, most people dont want to hear aboutit, let alone do it. But this is the real fountain of

youth. It is as simple as 30 minutes of daily recre-ational walking.

The Sinatra Spin: It is imperative to rememberthat while supplements and medications are impor-tant, diet and exercise are truly foundational tohealth. I also recommend adding traditional Asiandishes to the diet. A Pan Asian Mediterranean diet,as I call it, gives patients an expanded variety ofgreat anti-inflammatory foods to choose from.

James Roberts, Jr., M.D., coauthoredReverse

Heart Disease Now (Wiley) with me in 2008. He isa relentless clinical investigator, constantly search-ing for new research and techniques to help his

Tips FromThe Top

Heart, Health & Nutrition(ISSN# 1554-2467) ispublished monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC 7811Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394. Telephone:(800) 211-7643. Please call or write to P.O. Box 3264,Lancaster, PA 17604-9915 i you have any questionsregarding your subscription. Postmaster: Send addresschanges toHeart, Health & Nutrition, P.O. Box 3264,Lancaster, PA 17604-9915. Periodicals postage atRockville, MD, and at additional mailing oices.

Author: Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC, FACN, CNS Managing Editor: Jane Hahn Research Editors: MartinZucker and Jan DeMarco-Sinatra, MSN, CNS, APRN.

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Heart, Health & Nutri tion is dedicated to theprevention and treatment o disease.Heart , Health& Nutrition cannot oer medical services; Dr.Sinatra encourages his readers to seek advicerom competent medical proessionals or theirpersonal health needs. Dr. Sinatra will respond inthe newsletter to questions o general interest, andurges yo u to wr ite him at P.O. Box 3264, Lancaster,

PA 17604-9915, or send e-mail to eedback@drsinatracom. He maintains a website with additionalinormation and services atwww.drsinatra.com.

Dr. Sinatra is compensated on the sales o thesupplements he ormulates or Healthy Directions.He is not compensated or other companies productsthat he recommends in this newsletter.


3/8Heart, HealtH & Nutr itioN July 2012

patients. I have been impressed with 2 to 4 g ofL-arginine three times daily for my heart patients,said Dr. Roberts, not so much as an immediateremedy but as a good idea to reduce further trouble.L-arginine improves endothelial function and theability of the arterial wall to generate nitric oxideand keep the lining of the blood vessels healthy.Thats a valuable contribution for dealing with allforms of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Roberts also discussed a new urine test thatmeasures organic pollutants, such as phthalates,benzene, and toluene, commonly found in food, air,and water. These substances can potentially causeendocrine disruption and contribute to weight prob-lems, diabetes, inflammation, and hypothyroidism.They accumulate in belly fat and seem to impair theability to lose weight. I also have a suspicion theymay play a role in the growing epidemic of atrialfibrillation. US BioTek, a Seattle company, offersthe test to doctors (http://www.usbiotek.com/Services_

Environmental-Pollutants-Panel.php) . It measures sevenkey pollutants. At a cost of about $125 to a patient,your doctor can get a good handle on what is awidespread and underdiagnosed toxicity problem.Im finding my sick patients are loaded with thesepollutants. I detoxify them with various treatmentsand they get better.

The Sinatra Spin: I frequently used L-arginine asa way to improve endothelial health, and, at the doselevels that Dr. Roberts suggests, it can be also be

used to address erectile dysfunction. I also applaudhis emphasis on detoxification, which is so over-looked yet critical for health in our modern pollutedenvironment. If you have any stubborn healthissues, I suggest seeing an integrative physicianwho has a detoxification program. Or consult with anaturopathic physician who typically uses detoxifica-tion techniques as a main therapeutic tool.

Howard Elkin, M.D., practices in Whittier, CA,just east of Los Angeles, and brings an emphasison fitness and nutrition into his integrative prac-

tice. D-ribose is an unsung supplement for gettingenergy levels up quickly and feeding heart cellsstarving for energy, he said. This natural sugarcompound is a main energy substrate for cells.Ive had many patients with cardiomyopathies andother types of heart dysfunction who have respondedsuperbly. I recommend 5 g twice daily, a dosage thatoften boosts patients with low energy to feel goodenough to start exercising, which, of course, is soimportant for the heart.

Using magnesium to calm premature ventricu-lar contractions (PVCs) is another tip Dr. Elkinpassed along, recommending 500 mg of magne-sium glycinate daily. And a fish oil supplementworks wonders on so many things, not just for thheart, blood, and blood vessels, but for the brainmemory, eyesight, inflammation, and for balancneurotransmitters. I recommend 1 to 2 g daily, bwill go up to as much as 6 g for individuals with

high triglycerides.The Sinatra Spin: As much as CoQ10, magne-sium, and fish oil are central supplements forhealth, Dr. Elkin has smartly picked up on thegenerally overlooked nutrient D-ribose. I discovethe importance of D-ribose about seven years agand added it as one of my main metabolic cardioogy therapeutic nutrients.

Richard Delany, M.D., is board-certified in intenal medicine, cardiology, critical care, and geriat-

rics. My goal is to individualize supplements to tpatients needs and illness, he explained. Howevmy main goal, before I choose any supplement, isto try to understand the inflammatory cause of thdisease process. I then implement a four-step prothat requires different supplements at differenttimes coupled with some supplements all of the tiPatients typically end up with five to six supple-ments when it is all finished.

Niacin is key to Dr. Delanys program. I use niato strategically raise the beneficial large sub-

fraction of HDL, to lower triglycerides, and to shsmall dense LDL to large LDL. I recommend staing with 500 mg and then increasing by the samamount after three weeks. Most patients take 1,to 1,500 mg, usually with a snack like an applein the evening to help further reduce the possibiity of an uncomfortable niacin flush. An aspirina half-hour before the niacin can also help reducany possible flushing. Its a good idea to check livfunction from time to time if you routinely takehigher doses of niacin, since the vitamin is know

to elevate liver enzymes and stress the liver insome people.

The Sinatra Spin: Dr. Delany gets to the real pof the cholesterol theory, and that is to effectivelyuse the influence of a nutrient, in this case niacinto help reshape LDL cholesterol particles from amore potentially invasive and inflammatory formto a larger, more fluffy form. Just be sure, as hesuggests, to check your liver function periodically



Organic, free-range chicken is packed with quality protein to help keep your strength up and yourhunger down, both of which are key to staying fit and lean. And tucked inside the chicken breastsfeatured in this delicious recipe is one of my favorite Super Foods: spinach. (You can go to drsinatra.com for a complete list of Sinatras Super Foods.) This leafy green nutritional powerhouse is an excellentsource of bone-building and blood pressurelowering calcium. Its also brimming with the important anti-

oxidants vitamin C and vitamin E, which reduce the oxidative stress in your body and benefit the cardio-vascular and pulmonary systems. So make this satiating chicken/spinach combo regularly to benefit yourwaistline, muscles, bones, lungsand your heart.

Parmesan Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the chicken breasts halfway through the center lengthwise, form-ing a pocket. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the carrots and heat until softened,about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and basil. Cook about 3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove from heat.Add the cheese and stir to combine. Divide the mixture and stuff into the chicken pockets. Soak tooth-picks in water or oil and use them to secure the chicken pockets. Lightly brush the top of the chickenwith oil and sprinkle liberally with pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken juices runclear. Remove toothpicks and serve. Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories 360, Fat 21 g, Sodium 268 mg, Carbs 4 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 40 g

FighTing hearT DiseaseonerecipeaTa Time

Two 4-oz. chicken breasts2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil1/2 cup grated or julienned carrots

1 cup spinach, thawed or fresh

1 tsp. dried or fresh basil leaves, chopped, to taste4 Tbsp. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Black pepper to taste

CardiologistintheKitChen

For mor hr-hlhy rcips go o drsinatra.com

Back in the 1990s I became quite enthusiasticabout grape seed extract and have recom-

mended it and used it myself ever since. As I firstearned from the research literature and thenonfirmed in my cardiology practice, grape seed

extract can definitely help lower blood pressure.

Grape seed extract has a high concentration of proan-hocyanidin, a plant-based compound with substantial

antioxidant potency. So it helps protect the sensitiveendothelial lining of the arteries against oxidativetress. And research has also shown that grape seed

extract increases the nitric oxide level that relaxesvascular tissue and helps facilitate blood flow andmaintain healthy blood pressure. In addition to allhese impressive findings, grape seed extract can

be much less expensive than another highly toutedproanthocyanidin product, pycnogenol. Both are defi-nitely stars in this antioxidant class, but Ive moreoften opted for grape seed extract since it was moreaffordable for my patients.

often used grape seed extract with garlic and

hawthorn berry, a combination that worked wellto frequently drop blood pressure as much as 5 to10 points. And I recently found a new source ofgrape seed, extracted from white varietal and othergrapes, that has been found to have a particularlypotent antioxidant effect and reduce blood pressurein patients with prediabetic metabolic syndrome.In 27 subjects, this proprietary extract reducedsystolic blood pressure by 11 points on average anddiastolic by 6 points after four weeks.

I am constantly combing the nutritional research in

order to update and upgrade the nutritional supple-ments I formulate. So the new evidence about theadvanced grape seed extract led me to include itin my new and improved Advanced BP Supportformulamaking a good product even better.

References

Sivaprakasapillai B, et al. Effect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjectwith the metabolic syndrome. Metabolism. 2009;58(12):17431746.

Lu B, et al. Effect of a grape seed extract in subjects with pre-hypertension. 13thWorld Congress on Heart Disease. Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 2831, 2007.

Fitzpatrick DF, et al. Isolation and characterization of endothelium-depen-dent vasorelaxing compounds from grape seeds. J Agric Food Chem.2000;48(12):63846390.

nuTrienT sciencegrape seeD exTracT

For more heart-healthy recipes go to drsinatra.com.



Believe it or not, beautiful blueberries are benefi-cial for your blood pressure, your brain, and yourbaby blues! And all of these health-enhancing effectsappear to stem from the berries high flavonoid con-tent and powerful antioxidant properties.

In particular, blueberries are extraordinarily richin anthocyanins, which are flavonoid pigments thatprovide color to many fruits and vegetables andhave been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascu-lar disease. In one study, British researchers foundthat those with the highest intake of anthocyanins(predominantly from blueberries and strawberries)had an 8 percent lower blood pressure than thosewith the lowest intake. Researchers think that theanthocyanins protect against high blood pressureby promoting the release of nitric oxide, the chemi-

cal in arterial walls that keeps the blood vesselsrelaxed and dilated.

Those blood pressurefriendly flavonoids alsoappear to protect your aging eyes and brain. Atone anti-aging conference I attended, a researchophthalmologist proclaimed that, when it comes toprotecting your retina, blueberry pigments haveeven more antioxidant potential than the morecommon resourcemarigold flower (lutein)used

to prevent macular degeneration. And otherresearch on aging rats showed that those consuming blueberries in their feed had a lower rate ofmemory decline. The blueberry diet also reversedmemory loss. It was speculated that the f lavonoidin the blueberries probably helped brain cells

communicate better.

Blueberry Basics

Eating blueberries several times a week is simpleto do, since you can work them into just about anymeal. Take breakfast, for instance. Try a morn-ing shake of blueberries with organic yogurt andcrushed flax. Throw a heaping handful of blue-berries into your cereal bowl. Eat them alongsideyour omelet. Or include them in your waffles orpancakes as in the recipe below.

Organic wild blueberries are best because they arcultivated without toxic chemicals, so try to getthem whenever you can. And dont discount driedblueberries in a pinchespecially for a snack.Dried fruit, in general, is an excellent sourceof fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and complexcarbohydrates.

sinaTras super FooDs: BlueBerries

For mor Sirs Spr Foods go odrsinatra.com

Buckwheat Blueberry Pancakes

1 cup buckwheat flour1 cup other whole-grain flour1 tsp. baking powder

2 cups soy milk or water2 egg whites1 Tbsp. light olive oil

1 Tbsp. honey cup blueberries

Stir the dry ingredients together. Add the soy milk, egg whites, oil, and honey. Mix briefly. Add the bluberries and stir gently. Cook on a hot griddle, lightly oiled with olive oil. Makes 14 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories 90, Total Fat 2 g, Sodium 30 mg, Carbs 14 g, Fiber 2 g,

Protein 4 g

Cut Down on MeatandHeart-Health Risks

Epidemiological studies indicate that a meat-heavydiet, and particularly red meat, raises your risk ofcoronary heart disease, stroke, colorectal cancer,and diabetes. Researchers from Harvard have nowpublished an analysis of two health databases withmore than 110,000 men and women showing that

red meat actually increases the risk of dying fromcardiovascular causes by 16 percent and cancer b10 percent.

The analysis, published in theArchives of InternaMedicine, found that nearly one in 10 deaths in mand one in 7.6 deaths in women could be preventeif people ate fewer than 0.5 servings of red meat pday. The researchers estimated that substitutions

hearT BeaT: WhaTs gooD, WhaTs noT, in carDiology



one serving a day of other foods, including fish, poul-ry, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, and whole grains,or one daily serving of red meat could reduce the

mortality rate anywhere from 7 to 19 percent.

follow the 80/20 diet rule where only 20 percentof the diet is from animal sources, including fish,hicken, lamb, and even buffalo. The best diets in the

world, eaten in Asia and the Mediterranean, simplydont include big chunks of meat.

Reference

an A, et al. Red meat consumption and mortality: results from 2 prospective cohortstudies.Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(7):555563.

Another Reason to TakeMagnesium

As you know, magnesium is one of my awesomeoursome supplements, which are so vital for

enhancing cellular energy production. Thus, a recenteview on magnesium in theEuropean Journalf Clinical Nutrition caught my attention. It was

onducted by British medical statisticians whoombed through previous published studies to assess

how much of an effect magnesium supplementationexerts on lowering blood pressure.

Based on 22 trials involving 1,173 subjects with 3o 24 weeks of follow-up, they found a small, butlinically significant average drop of 3 to 4 mmHgystolic and 2 to 3 mmHg diastolic. Magnesium

dosage in these studies ranged from 120 to 973 mgmean dose 410 mg), with the largest reductions in

blood pressure generated by an intake over 370 mg

a day. One of the explanations for this effect is thatmagnesium protects the sensitive endothelial liningsof blood vessels and acts like a vasodilator, which ismportant for relaxed arterial function.

Magnesium is one of my must-take supplements. Itontributes to hundreds of enzymatic reactions inhe body and promotes healthy bowel movements.generally recommend 200 to 400 mg daily. Just

be cautious with magnesium if you have kidneydisease, which can impair the bodys ability to clear

magnesium from the body.Reference

Kass L, et al. Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2012;66(4):411418.

Check Your Uric Acid Level

Youve no doubt heard the term gout in refer-ence to a hot, tender, and painful big toe. Althoughhis arthritic-like condition most commonly affects the

base of the big toe, it can also involve the ankle, knee,wrist, finger, and elbow joints.

The cause of gout is an overload of uric acid thatleads to the deposition of crystals in the joints andother tissues. Contemporary research says the problem is often related to a genetic inability to properlyprocess uric acid, a breakdown product of purines,compounds found in many foods, most notablyred meat, game meats (pheasant, rabbit, venison),seafoods like shellfish, anchovies, herring, andsardines, mushrooms, asparagus, soy, and yeast-

containing foods and beer.The reason I bring all of this up is that fordecades, high uric acid has also been associatedwith an increased incidence of cardiovasculardisease, and recently several studies presented atthe European Society of Hypertension in Londonfurther incriminated uric acids involvement withhypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascularrisk factors.

One of the studies, based on an analysis of a large

Israeli database of more than 100,000 individuals,suggests that even a so-called normal level of uricacid poses an almost twofold risk of diabetes andkidney disease over a decade of follow-up comparedto a low level. A normal level is considered to be 3.1to 6.8 mg/dL and low is less than 3.

Another study, this one from Japan, linked a uricacid level over 8 to hypertrophy, which is a thick-ening of the left ventricular section of the heartmuscle, and a significant symptom of weaken-ing cardiac function. Other studies reported an

elevated uric acid level was associated with meta-bolic syndrome as well as arterial stiffness and fattdeposits in the carotid arteries.

These reports suggest to me that elevated uricacid may be related to dysfunctional metabolism ofadenosine triphosphate, the basic cellular fuel in thebody. I strongly recommend that you have your doctopay attention to your uric acid level the next time youget a blood test. While it is part of regular blood testsdoctors may not pay much attention to it if it shows

up in the normal range. The normal range couldmean youre off the hook for gout but may still be atan increased risk for cardiovascular problems.

References

Culleton BF, et al. Serum uric acid and risk for cardiovascular disease and death:the Framingham Heart Study.Ann Intern Med. 1999;131(1):713.

Leiba A, et al. Healthy subjects with low uric acid levels followed up for 10 years,have a decreased incidence of diabetes and hypertension.J Hypertens. 2012.[Epub ahead of print.]

Yoshimura A, et al. Serum uric acid is strongly associated with the left ventricularmass index in the general population.J Hypertens. 2012. [Epub ahead of print.]

Papavasileiou MV, et al. Uric acid blood levels and relationship with components ometabolic syndrome of hypertensive patients.J Hypertens. 2012. [Epub ahead ofprint.]



Carotid StentingASafe Option

The carotid arteries in the neck arethe critical channels through whichblood flows up into the brain. Astroke can occur when they becomesignificantly blocked. For decades,

vascular surgeons have cleanedup blocked carotids with surgical

carotid endarterectomies. Theyopen the affected vessel, scrape thelining to remove plaque and debris,and sometimes put in a graft.

Carotid artery stenting is an alter-native to endarterectomies. In thisprocedure, a stent (a small wiremesh tube) is maneuvered intothe carotid artery via a catheterinserted through an incision in the

groin. When the site is reached,a balloon is inflated to widen theartery, then the stent is laid inplace to keep the artery open.

In a yet-to-be-publishedstudy, researchers at ThomasJefferson University Hospital inPhiladelphia, along with investi-gators from several other medi-cal centers, found that carotidartery stenting is safe and effec-

tive for patients over 70. Thereis an increased risk of strokeand heart attack with age, theysaid, but the overall risk remainsextremely low at 6 percent,even in those over 85. Theirconclusion was based on a reviewof 5,000 high-risk patients whohad undergone stenting.

The researchers said they were

encouraged by their findings.I am as well. Both endarterecto-mies and stenting are potentiallylife-saving procedures. The resultshere add to the confidence withwhich surgeons can pursue theseoptions for patients at risk.

Reference

www.jeffersonhospital.org/News/2012/March/carotid-artery-stenting-found-to-be-safe-in-the-elderly.aspx.Accessed June 8, 2012.

Ihave writtenabout thepower of

positive thinking for yearsbecause Ive long subscribed tothe theory that our emotionshave a profound impact on ourhealth. Thats why I recentlyblogged about a study thatconfirmed my heartfelt belief:

I wasnt surprised to readnew indings rom a teamo Harvard researchers who

ound that optimism andjoy can protect your heartactually lowering the risk ostrokes and heart attacks.

In this study, the research-ers reviewed the outcomeso more than 200 previousstudies. What they ound isthat in those studies, peoplewith the most optimistic atti-

tudes had a 50% reducedrisk o having a cardiac eventthan those who were lessoptimistic.

Additional Thoughts

To harness the healing powerof optimism and cultivate ahappier, healthier attitude, Isuggest the following strategies:

Begin the day grate-

ful. When you first get up,perhaps as you take yourmorning walk, make amental list of some of the

things you are most gratef

for and internalize how eac

makes your life better.

Reframe your frustra-tions. Whenever things

dont go your way, reevalu-

ate the situation in a light

that casts it in a positive

perspective. For instance, i

you step on the scale only t

find out that your diet has

not produced any weight

loss, reframe your thought

to focus on the fact that yo

did not gain any weight.

Remember a happier

time. When you feel your

pulse begin to rise in the

face of a stressor, short-

circuit the stress response

by concentrating on a past

moment of intense joy, like

the birth of a child, anengagement or marriage,

or being recognized for an

accomplishment.

Focus only on what you

can change. Dont encour

age pessimism by wrestlin

with problems that are

beyond your control or that

you cant change in any

constructive way. Instead,focus your positive energy

on issues that you can actu

ally do something about.

Dr. Sinatras

HealtHy Heart Blog

Joi h Covrsio

you and our fellow readers are a never-ending source of inspiration

to me and to each other. I encourage ou to read more of m blogs,

ask me a question, or post our thoughts at drsinatra.com.


8/8Heart HealtH & Nutri tioN July 2012

Keep those questions coming! Send an email to [email protected],or write to me at Dr. Sinatra Feedback, P.O. Box 3264, Lancaster,

PA 17604-9915.

Dirics for High Blood Prssr

My doctor wants to prescribe a diuretic for me to help lower my

blood pressure. I am a 70-year-old woman. Are diuretics a goodoption?

Dr. Sir rplis: In my newsletter series on cardiology drugs lastyear, I dedicated a whole article to diuretics (August 2011). I am verywary o diuretics, particularly or long-term use, because they can de-plete the body o many key minerals, such as potassium, magnesium,calcium, and zinc, along with the fuid loss that is promoted. Its kind olike throwing the baby out with the bath water.

High blood pressure is a signiicant heart-health risk actor or bothmen and women. A diuretic may help in the short term. You could askyour doctor speciically about thiazide diuretics, which may decrease

the risk o hip racture. I you do start on a diuretic, be sure to takea good multinutrient supplement as well to help oset any possibleloss o key nutrients. It is also possible, however, that by supplement-ing with the awesome oursome (CoQ10, L-carnitine, magnesium,and D-ribose) and omega-3 atty acids, you may be able to bypassthe need or a diuretic at all. Talk to your doctor to see i your situa-tion allows you to try these natural options.

Heres your July issue!

Periodicalspostage

paid at

Rockville, MDand at additional

mailing offices

P.O. Box 3264

lancaster, PA 17604-9915

Address Service Reqested

Dr. Stephen Sinatras

Q & A Session

InSIDe tHIS ISSue:Dear Reader: Managing

Triglycerides Is a Must . . .1

Tips From the Top . . . . . . .2

Cardiologist in the

Kitchen: Parmesan Chicken

Breasts Stuffed with

Spinach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Nutrient ScienceGrape

Seed Extract . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Sinatras Super Foods:

Blueberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Heart Beat: Cut Down

on Meat; Magnificent

Magnesium; Uric Acid

Levels; Carotid Stenting . .5

Dr. Sinatras Healthy Heart

Blog: The Healing Power of

Positive Thinking . . . . . . . .7

Vome 18, Nmber 7

Treat the patient, notthe X-ray.James M. Hunter

See more Q & As online at drsinatra.com

in the Q & A Archive.

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Dr Sinatra HEART, HEALTH & NUTRITION