A healthy heart and avoiding heart disease
The average heart beats about 72 times a minute and pumps about 13,640 litres (3,600 gallons) of blood a day, which is an almost unbelievable amount. During exercise, the pumping action automatically increases significantly, in response to the tissue's demand for increased oxygen. A strong healthy heart is important to everyone, regardless of age or sex.

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers and every year billions are spent on the treatment and prevention of heart disease. Anyone suspecting or feeling heart problems must see a qualified physician immediately, as well as undertaking a change to a more healthy lifestyle. As with all illness prevention is better than cure. Following a healthy life style will lessen any chance of heart diease. Exercise, keeping weight in a healthy range, not smoking and effective stress management are good preventive therapies. If you are taking drugs for heart problems, seek professional advice before taking any herbal medicine.

One of the most well know heart disease is Atherosclerosis. A degenerative disease of the arteries characterised by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material. This eventually hardens and partially blocks the artery, causing the formation of a blood clot behind it. Generally this condition worsens with age, and is most dangerous when the arteries supplying blood to the heart and brain are affected.

Other conditions include: Angina (known medically as angina pectoris) is chest pain caused by a narrowing of the arteries, with the result that the blood supply to the heart muscle is not enough to meet its demands for oxygen and nutrients.

Palpitations which refers to fast or irregular heartbeat. Quite common and usually harmless, palpitations are often brought on by physical exertion or fright. Frequent or prolonged palpitations, however may be an indication of heart disease, particularly if accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or chest pain.

The best herb to help handle any heart or circulatory problem is cayenne. Also know as Capsicum, the botanical name being Capsicum frutescens. Cayenne is the species of capsicum that is used medicinally for its stimulant and antiseptic actions, as well as its digestive properties.

For a healthy heart eat plenty of Garlic. Garlic has long been known to help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. It also helps to reduce high blood pressure. Modern research has shown that regular intake of garlic lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, and reduces blood clotting in blood vessels, making it particularly useful for coronary/artery disease. Garlic can be taken in food or for higher strength in the form of a tincture.

In various studies, ginger has been shown to be almost as effective as aspirin and garlic in preventing the blood clots that trigger heart attack.