OVERCOMING

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Is Congestive Heart Failure a death sentence?
How long can a person live with Congestive Heart Failure?
Is it possible to fully recover from Congestive Heart Failure?
What is the prognosis for someone with Congestive Heart Failure?
ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE!

Follow the author’s true-life story about his personal experience with Congestive
Heart Failure from the depths of despair to full recovery. If you or a loved one
have been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, you need to read this book.
It could literally save your life or the life of a loved one!

"With the average life expectancy for Congestive Heart Failure being less than 5 years in patients with
symptomatic heart failure, while 90% of those with advanced disease have survival rates of only a year, this
is a remarkable self-accomplishment by the author! Great reading, straight to the point, and most
importantly, a promising direction for anyone diagnosed with similar heart problems.” - Igor Shepherd,
M.D.

“Heart illness is very serious and can put your life in danger. To address this
issue, you need proper treatment and a healthy diet plan. Someone who has
experienced heart illness and fully recovered from it can better describe how it
can be treated. This book is very well written and a great read for anyone going
through congestive heart failure.” - Muhammad Athar, M.D.
“I recommend this book for anyone trying to cope with not only a serious condition but also health in
general. Don’t wait until it is out of control and remember stress inhibits the immune system. Staying well
is a much better option.” - David M. Winsor, D.C.
“A clarion call regarding the vital role of good nutrition and healthy life-style
choices to optimal health. In a society where processed foods and the debilitating
effects of stress militate against our very wellbeing, this short but informative
narrative is a welcome antidote.” - Paul Terzano, D.C.
Overcoming Congestive Heart Failure
I fully recovered. You can too!

SCOTT M. HUSE, Ph.D., Th.D.

Cover Design & Illustration Effects
by
Muhammad Rizwan

Copyright © 2019 Scott M. Huse. All Rights Reserved

Printed in the USA

This book details the author’s personal experiences with and opinions about
Congestive Heart Failure. The author is not a healthcare provider. The author
and publisher are providing this book and its contents on an “as is” basis and
make no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to this book or its
contents.
The author and publisher disclaim all such representations and warranties,
including for example warranties of merchantability and healthcare for a
particular purpose. In addition, the author and publisher do not represent or
warrant that the information accessible via this book is accurate, complete or
current.
The statements made about products and services have not been evaluated by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own
physician or healthcare specialist regarding the suggestions and
recommendations made in this book.
Except as specifically stated in this book, neither the author or publisher, nor any
authors, contributors, or other representatives will be liable for damages arising
out of or in connection with the use of this book.
This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any
kind, including (without limitation) compensatory; direct, indirect or
consequential damages; loss of data, income or profit; loss of or damage to
property and claims of third parties.
You understand that this book is not intended as a substitute for consultation
with a licensed healthcare practitioner, such as your physician. Before you begin
any healthcare program, or change your lifestyle in any way, you will consult
your physician or another licensed healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are
in good health and that the examples contained in this book will not harm you.
This book provides content related to physical and/or mental health issues.
As such, use of this book implies your acceptance of this disclaimer.
 Contents
In the Beginning
The Week from Hell
The Missing Week
Journey Through the Wilderness
The Three Wise Men
Time for Some Lifestyle Changes
Faith, Prayer and Attitude
Conclusion
APPENDIX: Classes of Heart Failure
GLOSSARY: Cardiology Terminology

In the Beginning
“If you want to make God laugh, then tell Him your future plans.” - Woody
Allen

W here to begin my story? Ah yes, right; at the beginning, of course.

My name is Scott M. Huse and I was born on December 21, 1952
at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, New Jersey. I can’t say that
I remember much about that day but it was the beginning of my life’s journey
nevertheless.

The occasion of my birth was the only time that I have ever been in a hospital as
a patient; well, that is until just recently at the age of 65 when I found myself
admitted into a hospital in North Carolina.
My hospital stay this time was not such a grand occasion. I was there because
something was very wrong with me and I would soon be given the devastating
news that I had Congestive Heart Failure.
But I shouldn’t get too far ahead of myself. For now, please allow me to tell you
a little more about myself, as there are some clues along the way as to why I
ended up in the hospital that day and, in fact, nearly died.
Growing up, I loved playing sports and I was involved in many including
wrestling, judo, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, weight lifting, ping pong,
racquetball, skiing, surfing, and swimming.
I continued playing some sports even in my senior citizen years. That turned out
to be a very positive thing for me as I aged. You will better understand what I
mean as my story unfolds.

After graduating high school, I attended East Carolina University where I met
my soon-to-be wife on the tennis courts. Upon our graduation four years later,
we married and eventually had two beautiful children together.
I continued my education attending numerous colleges and universities, and
earned multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees in geology, computer
science and theology.
Throughout my professional career, I have held various positions including a job
with the U.S. Department of Energy, a private school principal, a computer
programmer for the Air Force, a technical support lead for a technical center, a
testing center director and a computer science adjunct professor for two colleges.
I was also involved in various private entrepreneurial projects. In short, my life
was very busy and I was happy. Life was good and there didn’t appear to be any
end in sight.
Now, that is not to say that my life was stress free; far from it. I was not at all
immune from the common pressures that life affords us all. But what could I do
about it? I would just absorb it as part of life and press on as best I could. I’m
sure you have heard the expression, “Stress is a killer.” Well, it’s true.
In addition to habitually ignoring mounting stress throughout my life, I almost
never saw a doctor (regretfully).
As a result, I had no idea what my blood pressure was, what my cholesterol
levels were, etc. After all, why in the world should I see a doctor? I didn’t have
any aches or pains. I was extremely active in sports and I felt fantastic.
Of course, being so busy with work, various projects, and my family, time was at
a premium. Consequently, my diet was often very unhealthy. I would have been
an ideal poster child for the junk food industry.

It would not be unusual for me to drink several sodas a day, quick gobble down a
fast food lunch, and often ingest more of the same for dinner.
And dessert, ahhh dessert, now that was something I did my very best never to
miss, ever. If you are beginning to sense a ticking time bomb here, you are ever
so right.

I knew my diet probably wasn’t the greatest, but I really didn’t worry about it. I
felt very healthy so I wasn’t concerned. I did not understand the potential
consequences that I might face years later.
As it turns out, there are actually many factors (not just diet) that can contribute
to the development of heart disease.
These include, but are not limited to, age (obviously), gender (men are more
susceptible), family history, high blood pressure (hypertension), pre-diabetes and
diabetes, tobacco use, high blood cholesterol, too much alcohol, an unhealthy
diet, obesity, being physically inactive, stress, and depression.
While it is true that we have no control over some of these factors such as age,
gender, and family history, we can control most of the other factors through
discipline and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of heart disease can be
attributed to factors we can control.
Yes, it is on us to take responsibility for our health; no excuses. Exercise and
eating a healthy whole foods diet are a great way to start!
Unfortunately, in my particular case, my world was about to come crashing
down due to a combination of several factors just mentioned – my family
history, hypertension, an unhealthy diet, and stress.

The Week from Hell
“If life were fair Elvis would still be alive today and all the impersonators would
be dead.” - Johnny Carson

J uly 20, 2016 started out just like any other day; nothing out of the ordinary
that I was aware of. But later that evening when I went to bed, I tossed and
turned. Normally, I would fall asleep relatively quickly once my head hit
the pillow, but for some reason, I was very restless that night and I just could not
fall asleep.
Around 1:00 am, out of utter frustration, I gave up trying to sleep, got dressed,
and went out for a walk on the road in our small, private mountain community.
After walking outside for an hour or so, I tried going back to bed but it was no
use. I could not fall asleep. I finally gave up trying to sleep and just stayed out
all night walking up and down our road, until finally the sun came up hours later.
That was a very long and frustrating night for me and, as morning arrived, I was
drained physically.
I entered day two not having slept at all the previous night. Please keep in mind
that the average person my age normally needs seven to eight hours of sleep
each day for proper physical and mental health.
When the second night arrived, I was very tired and I thought for sure that I
would be able to fall asleep easily at that point. But I was wrong. Once again, I
could not sleep; not one wink!
As I did the previous night, I put my clothes back on and walked up and down
our road, hour after hour after hour.
There was an uneasy restlessness within me that I could not calm. I thought if I
would just keep walking, I would eventually exhaust myself completely to
finally be able to fall asleep.
When I was in college, I would pull all-nighters sometimes at the end of a
semester to prepare for final exams. But the next day I would always sleep in to
catch up on my rest. No big deal. But what was happening to me now was
different; very different.
Now, if you happen to think that missing a day or two of sleep is not that big of a
deal, please note that research has shown the long-term effects of sleep
deprivation are real and can be very serious.
A lack of sleep can negatively impact both short- and long-term memory.
Concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills all suffer from a lack of
sleep. Missing sleep can make you moody, emotional, and quick-tempered.
Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety and/or depression, which can
escalate.
All of these symptoms can actually lead to more sleep loss due to stress,
demonstrating how dangerous and potentially deadly this punishing cycle can
become with time.
Furthermore, the risk of car accidents and other injuries become more likely, and
your immune system’s defenses against viruses also weakens.
In fact, just less than five hours of sleep a night increases your risk for high
blood pressure. A lack of sleep also increases your risk for type 2 diabetes,
weight gain, lowered sex drive, and even puts you at greater risk for heart
disease.
Recent studies have also shown that sleeping less than six hours a night or
waking frequently during the night raises your risk of developing damaging
plaque in your arteries throughout your body and heart!
Clearly, getting the recommended amount of sleep each night is extremely
important. The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Duration recommends the
following hours of sleep by age group:
Age Recommended
Newborns (0-3 months) 14-17 hours
Infants (4-11 months) 12–15 hours
Toddlers (1-2 years) 11–14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5 years) 10-13 hours
 School-aged Children (6-13 9-11 hours
years)
Teenagers (14-17 years) 8-10 hours
Young Adults (18-25 years) 7-9 hours
Adults (26-64 years) 7-9 hours
Older Adults (65+ years) 7-8 hours

But sleep was something that I was not getting at all, let alone the recommended
seven to eight hours per day.
By day three, I was extremely tired and getting very concerned about my health.
Why couldn’t I sleep? What the heck was the problem? What was wrong with
me? I had no idea.
Every part of my body was aching with exhaustion. I was totally burned out.
To help me function that third morning, I drank one of those little energy drinks
for the first time in my life and, I must admit, it did give me a noticeable boost.
As a result, I was able to focus and get my work done that day. But relying on a
highly caffeinated and sugary beverage was not what I wanted to do every day,
nor was it addressing the root problem.
That evening I was beyond tired and, just for extra measure, I took a sleep aid.
Surely, I would fall asleep this time!
Incredibly, it did not help. I STILL did not sleep!! Why was this happening to
me?! I was starting to lose it now.
I entered day four still without any sleep. Seriously?! I could not believe it and
yet there I was – awake, and living in a real-life nightmare.
The effects of those long, sleepless nights of walking started to take a larger,
more noticeable, and serious toll on my body.
Bad things started happening to me. I began to develop extreme restless leg
syndrome and occasional uncontrolled body contortions and thrashings.
My legs, which were already extremely fatigued and sore, would cramp up on
me. I was in serious trouble but I didn’t know what the problem was or what to
do about it. What was wrong with me?!
As my condition worsened, I found myself doing strange things that I had never
done before.
I would drift off for a few moments and then awaken startled and disoriented,
wondering where I was or where I put my glasses, for example.
I would later find my glasses in some odd place I would never put them
normally and I would have no recollection whatsoever of putting them there.
One night, I actually found myself in our garage with no idea of how I got there.
I was beginning to think that I was losing my mind.
At this point, debilitating panic attacks were repeatedly paralyzing me with
awful, irrational fear numerous times throughout the day.
These attacks only worsened at night, making sleep virtually impossible. My
panic attacks did not end until days later when they finally knocked me out at the
hospital.
Days five and six were more of the same only much worse in every respect and
for the first time in my life, I nodded off while driving our car.

Thank God my wife was with me. As I started to drift off the road, she yelled
and quickly woke me up.
That really shook me (and her) up. That was the end of my driving privileges
until much later, after we figured out what was going on, and I was well rested
and recovering.
Now, what I am about to tell you may sound very strange indeed, but please
keep in mind how fragile I had become both physically and mentally over the
last several days.
I actually became afraid of our bed; terrified actually. In my mind (what was left
of it), our bed had become my worst enemy, my nemesis. It was the place of my
constant defeat.
I was literally afraid to even sit on it, let alone lay down in it. At this point, I
would have a panic attack just thinking about going to bed. I am telling you the
honest-to-God truth.
Talk about a nightmare. The one place I desperately needed to be I could not go
to out of sheer terror.
To say that I was in serious trouble at this point would be a great understatement
but I still didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t even begin to think clearly enough
to try and come up with a solution to my problem.
Looking back now at my own personal experience, I can certainly understand
why sleep deprivation has been used as a form of torture.
It is absolutely horrible and it breaks a person down quickly and effectively.
I wanted this torture to end. I NEEDED this torture to end, and soon!
By day seven, my wife and daughter were extremely concerned for my
wellbeing. Enough was enough. They forced me to go to the hospital late that
night.

Now, please understand that was not an easy task for them. I did NOT want to go
and I was not in a good frame of mind.
As it turned out, by forcing me to go, they literally saved my life that night.
Very late on the evening of July 27, 2016, after 7 days with no sleep, I entered
the emergency room of Haywood Reginal Medical Center Hospital in a terribly
exhausted and troubled state.
As the staff started monitoring my vitals, they first noticed that my blood
pressure was well over 200.
Initially, they were just going to keep me on an IV and observe me for a while
before sending me home with some medications. That sounded good to me. I
wanted to go home ASAP.
However, an alert nurse noticed an overlooked number on the monitor which
could indicate that my kidneys might be shutting down.
After another test was run, it was confirmed that I was at risk for imminent
kidney failure. I was immediately admitted to the hospital.

Let me tell you, I was NOT happy about that; not one bit. I was planning to go
right back home that night. I did not do doctors and I certainly was not about to
do a hospital!
At that point, I had a full-blown panic attack and I’m told they had to take
measures to physically restrain me and get me to calm down.
I actually don’t recall what happened. I can only assume that they sedated me
and my eyes closed.
The sleep that had eluded me for one very, very long week was finally mine.
Unbeknownst to me, I would sleep for yet another full week; this time in a
hospital as they endeavored to save my life.
The Missing Week
“I have enough money to retire and live comfortably for the rest of my life. The
problem is, I have to die next week.” – Anonymous

I would love to tell you all about my week in the hospital but there is just
one little problem – I don’t remember it. To this day, I only have a few very
foggy and short memories. I remember things like my wife trying to wake
me and spoon feed me. I didn’t want any food. I ended up losing about twenty-
five pounds that week. (There must be an easier way to lose weight.)
Looking back, I feel bad about not remembering much of anything because I am
told that my wife hardly ever left my side day or night. Joined by my daughter,
they kept a watchful eye over me as I slowly recovered. But I was out of it;
completely oblivious to their loving concern.
Whatever drugs they had me on to calm me down and pretty much knock me out
were VERY effective. I was in la-la land and it clearly affected my short-term
memory as well.

I vaguely remember about two seconds when a nurse came in and told me she
was going to prep me for a cardiac catheterization (a procedure used to diagnose
and treat cardiovascular conditions in which a long thin tube called a catheter is
inserted in an artery or vein in your groin, neck or arm and threaded through
your blood vessels to your heart).

They wanted to see if I had any clogged heart arteries. I know they went in
through my groin area because when I got home from the hospital, I noticed a
large and very colorful bruise there which took months to clear up.
On day seven of my hospital stay, I also faintly remember a doctor coming in to
see me and ask me if I was ready to go home. He wanted to know if I wanted
him to be my cardiologist.
As I peered through my half-open eyes, in my semi-awake state, I said, “Sure.”
Then I dozed off again.
It turns out the decision my semi-conscious self made was a good one. He turned
out to be a wonderful and very likable cardiologist and we have since developed
a very good relationship.
Once I finally returned home and began to regain my senses from all of the
drugs they had me on, my wife and daughter began to explain to me what had
happened that week and what I was now up against. Unfortunately, the news was
not good.
They told me that I nearly died from kidney failure (apparently, I did a lot of
damage to my leg muscle tissues exacerbating my already compromised
kidneys) and that I had been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
What?!!! To me, that sounded like a death sentence. Apparently, it was a miracle
that I ever set foot back inside my home again. In shock, I now began to wonder
how much longer I would live.
Apparently, with Congestive Heart Failure, when the heart cannot pump the
proper amount of blood, it causes fluid to back up and congestion occurs.
This starts a deadly chain reaction of events that overload the kidneys and liver
causing impaired function which can then lead to the failure of multiple systems.
In case you are wondering, that’s not good.
I now also know from my readings that some of the symptoms of heart failure
include fluid buildup in the lungs, cramps in calves, inability to sleep, panic
attacks, and a fear of trying to sleep.
Wow! I had ALL of those physical symptoms and for the better part of a week
no less!! I wasn’t crazy after all; just in very serious physical trouble.
There are many causes of Congestive Heart Failure. In my case, I believe it was
primarily due to stress, a poor diet, and long-term high blood pressure
(hypertension) that I was unaware of since I never bothered to have it checked.
The high pressure of blood passing through the heart causes it to work harder,
enlarge and become less efficient.
Now, as if the news of my Congestive Heart Failure wasn’t bad enough, I was
also told that my Ejection Fraction (whatever that was) was only at 10%.
While I didn’t understand what that meant, 10% sounded like a low number to
me. In fact, it sounded pretty darn grim. Why wasn’t it closer to 100% like some
of my university test grades?
The only good news I was given that day was that there was no arterial blockage
to my heart! Now, that was huge and most welcome news! I attribute that very
important bit of good news to my lifelong, active sports lifestyle.
Before moving on, I think it is important to take a moment to educate ourselves a
little bit about Congestive Heart Failure. We also need to talk about the Ejection
Fraction percentage number. First, let’s consider Congestive Heart Failure.
Simply put, Congestive Heart Failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood as
well as it should, which, in turn, means that the body and organs are not
receiving all of the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. This clearly
is NOT good, and it can lead to organ failure.
So, is Congestive Heart Failure serious? Yes! It is very serious.
Researchers say the prognosis for people with this disease is bleak, with about
50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years. For those with
advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year. Not exactly the
kind of news one wants to hear.
“It is a scary term,” agrees Scott Werden, D.O., a cardiology specialist who
practices in Olympia and Shelton, Washington. “But,” he said, “you can have an
absolutely complete recovery from heart failure.”
Dr. Werden says, “It is not a pronouncement of imminent death, but a clinical
term to describe poor functioning of the mechanics of the heart.” As the
American College of Cardiology puts it, it is “a problem with how your heart
pumps.”
With that in mind, let’s now talk about the Ejection Fraction percentage number.
In a nutshell, it simply tells you how well (or how poorly) your heart is pumping.


I was given my first Echocardiogram (Echo) to determine my Ejection Fraction

percentage number during my week-long stay at the hospital. As I mentioned
previously, my Ejection Fraction percentage number was determined at that time
to be just 10%.
Ejection Fraction Number Heart Pumping Ability
35% and lower Low
36% - 48% Below normal
50% - 75% Normal
I later learned from my cardiologist that, with such a low number, I was
definitely a candidate for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). I have
to tell you, that REALLY upset me and discouraged me.
As you can clearly see from the table above, my 10% Ejection Fraction
percentage number is on the extreme low end of the scale. My situation was
truly desperate and I started to sink into depression. I really did not see much
hope for myself at that point.
Journey Through the Wilderness
“The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse
every time Congress meets.” – Will Rogers

H ome from the hospital and slowly coming to grips with what I had
just been through, I was now beginning to fully comprehend the
seriousness of my situation.
Honestly, it was very discouraging for me. I was not hopeful at all. I was not in a
good frame of mind, to say the least.
My cardiologist placed me on several prescription drugs to deal with my high
blood pressure (hypertension) and to basically “keep me alive,” as he put it.

Unfortunately, such drugs tend to just mask symptoms and, often, they also have
undesirable side effects. They do not address the underlying cause of the
problem.
Regrettably, in the United States, the traditional medical approach is to focus on
treating symptoms rather than prevention of disease and illness.
The standard medical school curriculum includes spending just a few days out of
four years discussing how nutrition affects wellness and the risk of progression
of disease.
The predominant medical approach here in the United States is to focus on lab
tests, medication, and surgery, rather than diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
Ironically, it is primarily proper diet and nutrition that can put one on a path to
health and wellness! Nutrition and diet are at the very heart of good health. More
on that in the following pages.
One of the medications my cardiologist had me on made me very dizzy because
it was lowering my blood pressure too much.
Whenever I would try to stand up from a sitting or lying down position, it would
take me a good five to ten seconds of hanging on to whatever was nearby to
regain my balance before I could move on. Trust me, that got old real fast and I
was starting to sink deeper and deeper into depression.
Also, and this was the absolute worst symptom for me, I had to labor to catch my
breath. Going up stairs was difficult for that reason, and forget walking on our
mountain road.
Please remember, I was used to a life full of sports and activity. It was so
discouraging to be conquered by a flight of stairs. I simply could not get enough
oxygen into my lungs, which was a very scary feeling for me.
It was like what I imagine a drowning sensation would feel like. For the first
time in my life, I was beginning to think that this might very well be the end for
me.
And, as if that was not bad enough, I could not stop coughing, day or night. I
began to wonder how much time I had left – days, weeks, maybe months? I had
no quality of life whatsoever as this point.
This stage of my journey was the absolute worst. I was so discouraged and
losing all hope. It seemed to me that I was too far gone given my diagnosis and
all of the miserable symptoms I was having.
But then, most thankfully, I began to hear of some potential hope from three of
my very good doctor friends.
What they had to say was very encouraging but even so, I was careful not to get
my hopes up too high.
Could there actually be hope for someone like me in such a pathetic state?
The Three Wise Men
“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” –
Chinese proverb

F ortunately for me, I happened to have three very good friends who are
doctors. In fact, they are all chiropractors. Each one has extensive
knowledge of the human body, whole food supplements, and natural
remedies.

Once they became aware of my desperate plight, they kindly began to advise me
and carefully guide me out of the mine field I was caught in.
I explained to them that the issue which was paramount to me was my constant
struggle to fully catch my breath, and that whenever I climbed stairs or tried to
go for a walk, I would find myself gasping for air.
I never had this problem before in my entire life and it was a very, very uneasy
feeling for me. I hated it.
I was advised to start taking two products: Standard Process’s Emphaplex and
Professional Botanicals’ Water Balance. The game plan here was to get fluid out
of my lungs and get more oxygen into my tissues.
These products would improve my respiration and help my lungs to function
better.
To be perfectly honest, I seriously doubted that their advice would work, but I
was so desperate that I decided to order both products and give them a shot.
After about a month or so of taking these two products, to my utter astonishment
and sheer delight, my lungs were clear!

I cannot tell you what a HUGE relief and blessing that was for me. It lifted my
spirits tremendously and I began to think for the first time that maybe, just
maybe, there might be some hope for me after all.
By now, the message I was hearing over and over again from my doctor friends
was that the body can heal itself IF it is given the proper nutrients.
Additionally, I was also told that the heart specifically is the most responsive
organ; it has the ability to make new muscle tissue and repair itself to a certain
extent - provided that it is supplied with the proper nutrients.
Unfortunately, my diet up to this point was the all too typical, average American
diet.
Containing large amounts of refined and processed foods, my diet offered
minimal, if any, nutritional value to help my body rebuild itself.
The unfortunate truth is many of us need a serious lifestyle change and the
sooner the better!
Studies have shown that living a healthy lifestyle — including exercising, eating
a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and grains, and not smoking — can lower
the risk of heart disease.
I would venture to say that many of us are not eating enough fresh foods that are
naturally high in nutrients, like vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. These are
essential for the body to maintain good health.
That was certainly true of me. I needed to make a lifestyle change and fast if I
wanted to see any improvement.
I needed to immediately cut out the fast foods and sugar and start eating a
healthy, whole foods–based diet.
Studies have shown that following a healthy, whole foods–based diet can reduce
inflammation, high blood pressure, and unhealthy high cholesterol.
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular and effective anti-
inflammatory diets that exists.

Foods commonly eaten in the Mediterranean region include fish, vegetables,

beans, fruits and olive oil.
Now, please listen to what I am going to say next very carefully because, in my
opinion, this was THE key to my full recovery…
My doctor friends told me that I needed to start taking whole food supplements
so that any potential nutritional gaps in my diet could be bridged, enabling my
body to start healing itself.
This was exactly the information and direction I needed. It made sense to me and
really helped me to have more hope for my recovery.
But would it really work? I still didn’t know for sure.

Specifically, I was directed to start taking some whole food supplements from a
company named Standard Process®.
Standard Process® is a company that is dedicated to making a wide variety of
high-quality and nutrient-dense, therapeutic whole food supplements (not
chemical imitations).

For my particular situation, I was strongly encouraged to immediately start

taking the following critical Standard Process® whole food supplements to “get
me out of the woods” as they put it, and so I did:
Cardio-Plus GF
Cataplex E2
Cataplex G
Cataplex B
Cataplex F
Calcium Lactate
Min-Tran
As time progressed and I learned more from my own readings and online
research, I added the following important products to my daily protocol as well:
Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Bio-Cardiozyme Forte
Cytozyme-H
Innate Vitamin C-400
Innate Magnesium 300
Innate CoQ10 100mg
Innate Vitamin D3 5000 IU
Barlean’s Flax Oil
Finest Pure Fish Oil Capsules
Puritan’s Pride Garlic 1000 mg
Arizona EDTA Chelation Formula
Terry Naturally Clinical OPC French Grape Seed Extract
Terry Naturally Hemp Oil + Curcumin
OliPure BP

Yes, I take all of these supplements every day, as directed. I should also mention
that I have no financial relationship whatsoever with any of the companies that
manufacture these products.
These are simply high-quality supplements that I have decided to take for my
health, based on professional recommendations and my own research.
I am simply recounting my own personal story and not suggesting that you
follow exactly what I have done. Please consult your own health care
professional and do your own research concerning your specific health situation
before following any such protocol.
I also want to mention that as I have continued to study Congestive Heart Failure
(since I have more than just a passing interest in this subject), I ran across
something else of significance which I want to pass along here.
What I am referring to is a book called The Sinatra Solution, by Dr. Stephen T.
Sinatra. In his book, Dr. Sinatra basically presents a simple protocol of four
primary supplements, which he has used to help and often cure his Congestive
Heart Failure patients over the last 30+ years.

Another author, who also suffered from Congestive Heart Failure, read this book
and decided to follow its recommendations. He reported that when he left the
hospital and returned home, he could not walk up a flight of stairs without
having to stop part way up to rest and gasp for air.
He reported that within one week of taking these particular four supplements, he
was able to run up the stairs, two steps at a time for ten repetitions. WOW!
The four primary supplements and dosages in Dr. Sinatra’s Congestive Heart
Failure protocol are:
CoQ10 600 mg per day
L-Carnitine 3 grams per day
D-Ribose 15 grams per day
 Magnesium 800 mg per day
And yet, as amazing as the news was, I still in the below normal category. I still
needed to get up to the normal range.
It was a very encouraging start nonetheless and it was accomplished in such a
short time period. I was excited. I was actually believing in what I was doing by
taking the whole food supplements.
My next echo was scheduled for June 29, 2017, which gave me seven more
months to see if my heart could improve even more.

During that time period, I faithfully followed my whole food supplement

protocol, never missing a beat (please excuse the pun). When that fateful day
arrived, the test showed that my Ejection Fraction percentage number had
improved even more and that I was now well into the normal range!

Ejection Fraction Number Heart Pumping Ability

 35% and lower Low
36% - 48% Below normal
50% - 75% Normal

I WAS NO LONGER CONSIDERED A CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

PATIENT!
For me, there was no longer any question about the claim that the human body,
and that the heart in particular, can heal itself and fully recover from Congestive
Heart Failure. It just needs the proper nutrients.
While it is true that I also improved my diet and did exercise to a point, I was not
perfect in either respect.
The one and only thing that I was perfect at was to faithfully take my whole food
supplements, each and every day. Thankfully, the human heart is very responsive
to such helpful treatment.
If you have any lingering doubts about what I am telling you, please let me share
an old Chinese Proverb with you:
“The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing
it.”

Now it was time to address the unhealthy lifestyle issues that played such a
major role in my downfall. I wanted to sustain my renewed health.
Time for Some Lifestyle Changes
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by and that
has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

S ince you are reading this book, I can only assume that you or a loved
one has suffered Congestive Heart Failure. Please do not despair.
Yes, in addition to taking whole food supplements, it is likely that some
lifestyle changes may also be needed, but even small changes can make a big
difference.
The following recommendations about diet, exercise, and other habits can help
lessen heart failure symptoms, slow your disease’s progression, improve your
everyday life, and quite possibly help to reverse your condition.
Depending on your particular situation, some important lifestyle changes might
include the following:
Salt
Getting high blood pressure under control is a top priority for anyone suffering
from Congestive Heart Failure.
Aside from prescription drugs designed to combat this issue, lowering high
blood pressure can also be accomplished by reducing salt intake.
During my first follow-up office visit with my cardiologist, I clearly remember
him strongly stressing the importance of my eliminating salt from my diet. He
said salt was a killer! He was deadly serious.
His point was well taken, and while I completely agree with him, I think it is
important to mention that there is a BIG difference between ordinary, refined
table salt and unrefined sea salt.
Refined salt contains two major items: sodium and chloride. Refined salt, having
all of its minerals removed by harsh chemicals such as sulfuric acid or chlorine,
is essentially a lifeless product.
In stark contrast, unrefined sea salt contains all of its trace minerals and other
elements that are naturally a part of its origin and unrefined sea salt is never
exposed to harsh chemicals.
In fact, unrefined sea salt (e.g., Celtic Sea Salt) contains over 80 minerals and
elements—all natural elements necessary for life. Some authors even boldly
argue that such salt is a vitally important dietary nutrient.
How you choose to approach salt in your diet is, of course, up to you. But, in my
opinion and that of my cardiologist, if you or someone you know suffers from
Congestive Heart Failure, an important first step would be to consume little to no
salt.
My personal approach has been to use salt VERY sparingly (less than two grams
per day). When I do use it, I only use unrefined sea salt, such as Celtic Sea Salt.
We threw out all of our household, refined salt long ago.
Fast Food & Frozen Dinners
Generally speaking, fast food meals and frozen dinners have very high levels of
salt and unhealthy fats. Also, and again generally speaking, the quality of their
ingredients is also appalling.
I highly recommend that you instead prepare your own food at home so you
know that you are eating wholesome food that is fresh and nutrient rich.
Grocery Shopping
Making changes in your diet is one of the fastest and most effective ways to start
your recovery process.
The food industry does not want the general public to become aware of the links
between processed foods, cancer and heart disease. That would, of course,
negatively impact their bottom line.
When grocery shopping, as my cardiologist put it, “Just shop around the outer
edge of the grocery store.” In other words, stick with fruits and vegetables and
stay away from refined, processed food products.
Water
I suspect most of us do not drink as much water as we should. It is generally
recommended that we should drink at least eight glasses of water every day. I
never come close to drinking that much water in a typical day and I know that I
need to do better.
Here is the problem if we don’t. If we become dehydrated, bad things tend to
happen. The viscosity level of our blood increases which makes it harder for our
hearts to pump blood. Plaque is also more likely build up in our blood vessels.
Hey, this one is pretty easy. We just need to drink more clean water.
We all know that clean water is vital to our health. But the problem today is that
most people today drink fluoridated, chlorine-treated tap water that contains
many harmful bacteria, chemicals and other toxins such as lead and arsenic.
Furthermore, recent studies have shown that an increasing number of
pharmaceutical drugs are finding their way into our drinking water as well.
With respect to fluoride, studies have shown many negative side effects are
caused by fluoride. Fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for our health.
On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison that has been linked to
reductions in IQ and an array of health problems. I don’t know about you, but I
can’t afford to have my IQ reduced.
So, if not tap water, what about bottled water? Well, U.S. regulations for bottled
water do not require disclosing fluoride content. Bottled water can contain high
levels of fluoride and may also have acidic pH levels.
When shopping for bottled water, choose a brand that clearly indicates a fluoride
content of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), or less.
Some bottled water brands that are fluoride-free include Apani Purifie, Aqua
Panna, Arrowhead, Crystal Geyser, Deer Park North, Deer Park South, Great
Bear, Ice Mountain Keeper Springs, and Penta.
Alternatively, a whole-home water purification system is an elegant and
convenient solution. Admittedly, it may be somewhat costly but shouldn’t
ensuring a safe supply of pure drinking water for your family be at the top of
your list?
Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids help to protect the heart in many ways. They decrease
triglycerides, lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, decrease stroke and
heart failure risk and reduce irregular heartbeats. Wow!

Cold water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and
albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Do your heart a favor and make
fish a regular part of your diet at least a couple times each week.
Smoking
If you are a smoker, I have two words for you – STOP SMOKING! Smoking can
cause major problems for anyone, but especially for people suffering from
Congestive Heart Failure.
Smoking can raise your blood pressure, cause blood clots, trash your lungs and
reduce the oxygen level in your body.
Another very important reason to quit smoking is that non-smokers who live
with you have a 30% increased risk of developing heart disease thanks to your
smoking. If you are a smoker, please quit now for everyone’s wellbeing.
Sugar
Ok, I admit it. Sugar is truly one of my greatest weaknesses. I really struggle
trying to resist desserts and sweet treats.
Fortunately, one thing that has helped me in this regard is eating a little dark
chocolate every now and then. As it turns out, that isn’t as bad as you might
think. More on that very shortly.

The harsh truth about sugar is that we all need to stop eating it in any form. The
problem with sugar is that it is the worst systemic inflammatory that we
consume. It is linked to both cancer and vascular disease, two dreadful killers.
Dark Chocolate
Now, how about some good news for a change. Believe it or not, dark chocolate
is actually good for your heart. Dark chocolate is incredibly healthy and
nutritious. Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper,
manganese and other minerals. Woo Hoo!

Research points to flavanols – a type of polyphenol in cocoa that helps lower

blood pressure and improve blood flow to your heart, decreasing your blood
pressure and the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
Dark chocolate also lessens your level of cortisol, the stress hormone in your
body, which is why people tend to crave chocolate on stressful days.

Studies also show that eating dark chocolate twice a week results in a lower
BMI (body mass index). Not only that, dark chocolate may be even sweeter
than you think. Packed with micronutrients, it is also an aphrodisiac!

Of course, a lot of dark chocolate products on the market today are not healthy.
When shopping for dark chocolate, focus only on dark chocolate bars with a
70% or higher cocoa content.

Also, despite all of this wonderful news about dark chocolate, it doesn't mean
that you should quick run out and start eating bar after bar of dark chocolate
every day.

Dark chocolate is still loaded with calories and it is way too easy to overindulge,
I happen to know. Try to limit yourself to a square or two every day or so to
satisfy that chocolate craving. It works for me and I love getting the added bonus
that it is a healthier alternative to other sweet treats so I can feel good about it.
Hooray!

There are many manufacturers that produce excellent, high-quality dark

chocolate. A few great brands to consider would include Alter Eco, Chocolove,
Endangered Species, Ghirardelli, Green & Blacks, Lindt, Pascha, Pure7, Taza
and Theo. My personal favorite is Alter Eco Quinoa Crunch. Yummy.

Eating Out
I love eating out. You get great tasting food and you don’t have to do the dishes.
What could be better.
Here’s the catch – restaurants are more interested in satisfying their customers
appetites with great tasting food and sugary drinks so they will keep coming
back for more. That is how they make their money.
Unfortunately, when you are eating out at that wonderful restaurant, it is easy to
consume well over 3,000 mg of refined salt in just one meal.
Looking after your health with nutritious food that is prepared in a healthy way
is not necessarily their top priority. Sadly, all too often healthy food just isn’t on
the menu.
Home Cooking
Cooking your own food at home is a great idea but keep in mind that how you
prepare your food is also an important consideration for a healthy diet.
For example, baking or grilling is preferable to frying.
Fresh vegetable that are steamed are better than canned vegetables.
As far as cooking oils are concerned, olive oil is healthier than oils that have
high levels of trans-fats or saturated fats.
The meals you prepare at home will be richer in vitamins and minerals and you
will save money too. Yes, it might take a little more effort on your part, but your
heart will thank you in the long run.
Weight
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 60% of
the world’s population is overweight or obese. Being overweight puts a person at
an increased risk of heart disease.
Maintaining your ideal body weight is challenging, I know. But if you’re
overweight, losing even just a few pounds can improve your health. Every pound
counts, and is a step in the right direction.
Why are so many people overweight today? Poor diet and a lack of exercise are
undoubtedly major contributing factors.
Also, many people eat when they are feeling upset, angry, stressed, sad, lonely or
fearful. Emotions such as these can be powerful triggers to eat. This typically
leads to overeating foods which are often unhealthy for us.
To help control binge, emotional and nighttime eating, try to avoid skipping
meals, stay hydrated, eat more fiber, go to the gym, eat breakfast every day and
be sure to get enough sleep.
Building muscle through weight training will also help because it takes more
energy to maintain muscle than fat.
Be sure to keep an eye on your weight. Any sudden weight gain or loss can be a
sign that you’re developing heart failure, or that your heart failure is progressing.

Weigh yourself at the same time each day. Notify your healthcare professional if
you gain three or more pounds in one day, five or more pounds in one week, or
whatever amount you were told to report.
Exercise
Similar to other muscles in the body, heart muscles also benefit from exercise. A
daily exercise regimen not only helps you lose weight but also helps to lower
your blood pressure.
The American Heart Association recommends that we, “Get at least 150 minutes
per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of
vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout
the week.”
In my particular case, once I was able to breathe freely again and not cough all
the time, I was able to start walking again. In the mountainous area of North
Carolina where I live this is no easy task for anyone.
When you walk, you are carrying your own body weight. This is known as
weight-bearing exercise.

Some of the many benefits of walking include:

increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness
reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
improved management of conditions such as hypertension (high blood
pressure), high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and
diabetes
stronger bones and improved balance
increased muscle strength and endurance
reduced body fat
While there are really too many types and benefits of exercise to list here, just
know that exercise helps restore and maintain cardiovascular health by
improving blood flow, bringing more oxygen to your cells, managing hormones
and blood sugar levels and helping you relax. Studies suggest that exercise can
benefit your heart just as much as certain medications!
Just walking for 30 minutes a day is a great way to improve or maintain your
overall health.
Be sure to consult your doctor for a medical check-up before embarking on any
new fitness program, especially if you are over 40 years old, are overweight, or
haven’t exercised in a long time.
Relaxation
Rest and relaxation are important for your body and heart. While at rest, the
heart can more easily pump blood throughout the body. A lack of sleep or poor-
quality sleep has been linked with heart disease, which can result in Congestive
Heart Failure.
I learned that one the hard way. A lack of sleep, hypertension, stress, and a poor
diet seem to have been the main contributing factors as to why I ended up having
Congestive Heart Failure.
Stress
Stress is most certainly a silent killer.
Some of the best natural stress relievers include eliminating caffeine, stopping
smoking, stopping drinking alcohol, getting proper sleep, listening to your
favorite music, working out, praying, doing something creative, and spending
time with your family, friends, and pets.
I strongly encourage you to find your escape from the stresses in your life. It is
very important for your health.
Aromatherapy
I imagine some readers might be wondering if there is any potential role for
aromatherapy using essential oils with Congestive Heart Failure patients.
It does appear that there may be some help that essential oils can provide.
There is some evidence that aromatherapy can lower anxiety and stress, which
are both risk factors for high blood pressure. So, yes, apparently aromatherapy
using essential oils can lower blood pressure through relaxation.
There is considerable literature citing bergamot, cedarwood, citronella, clary
sage, frankincense, jasmine and lavender as the most effective essential oils for
helping to lower blood pressure and thereby help people with Congestive Heart
Failure.
Faith, Prayer & Attitude
“…but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

M y Christian faith is everything to me. I strongly believe that it was

a major factor in my recovery. And, of course, coupled with the
importance of faith is the power of prayer.
The value of my family’s prayers, and those of countless others I don’t even
know from prayer chains around the world who were praying for me, cannot be
overstated. Mere words cannot express my most sincere appreciation for
everyone who kept me in their prayers. I humbly thank you.

As the Bible says, The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
(James 5:16)
What about a person’s attitude? Can that also have an effect on a person’s
health? The answer may surprise you!
Let me ask you something. When you awake each morning, do you look forward
to the day? Do you have a sense of purpose for your life? If so, studies show that
you may already have done something to reduce your risk of disease and may
even be adding years to your life!
“Your outlook—having a sense of optimism and purpose—seems to be
predictive of health outcomes," says Dr. Laura Kubzansky, professor of social
and behavioral sciences at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Dr. Kubzansky has studied the health effects of several forms of psychological
well-being. She has found that emotional vitality—characterized by enthusiasm,
hopefulness, engagement in life, and the ability to face life's stresses with
emotional balance—is associated with a substantially reduced risk of heart attack
and stroke.
Negative attitudes and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can create
chronic stress, which upsets the body's hormone balance, depletes the brain
chemicals required for happiness, and damages the immune system. Chronic
stress can actually decrease our lifespan.
Researchers have spent years studying and publishing the physical and
emotional benefits of positivity, including faster recovery from cardiovascular
stress, better sleep, fewer colds, and a greater sense of overall happiness.
Research from the Harvard School of Public Health links a more optimistic
outlook with a lowered risk of heart disease in older men and University of
Pittsburgh researchers report that optimistic women have less thickening of the
carotid artery walls.
"Thousands of articles in virtually all popular, medical, health and news journals
tout the benefits of a positive mental attitude (PMA) on longevity and many
other positive aspects of aging," says Dr. Peter Norvid, a geriatric specialist
treating patients at Adventist Hinsdale and La Grange Memorial hospitals and
medical director for Heartland Hospice.
"Optimistic people live longer, have closer personal relationships and are able to
deal with the negative things that happen to them in a way that allows them to
continue to be able to be there for others so that others can help them."
Conversely, pessimism has links to negative effects on our health.
"In 2000, Mayo Clinic researcher Toshihiko Maruta, M.D., published a 30-year
study of 839 patients, indicating a pessimistic view was a risk factor for early
death, with a 19 percent increase in the risk of mortality," says Ken Budd,
executive editor, AARP The Magazine.
"Even after adjusting for age and gender, pessimists had a higher mortality rate
than those who tested as optimistic.
Our attitudes clearly have a direct impact on our health and wellbeing. We can
and should cultivate a positive attitude in our lives.
One of my chiropractor friends once told me that he could tell when a patient
first entered the room how much of a challenge it was going to be for him to get
them to full recovery, just based on their attitude.
As the Bible says:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
(Proverbs 17:22)
Conclusion
“Plan for the future, because that is where you are going to spend the rest of
your life.” – Mark Twain

I had my latest annual checkup with my cardiologist just a couple weeks ago
in December of 2018. Since he had not seen me for a year and had
previously taken me off almost all of the prescription drugs he had
originally prescribed, he had them run an EKG on me.
When he came in to see me, he reviewed the EKG and listened carefully to my
heart.
Then he looked me directly in the eye and said, “You are doing great! See you in
a year.” Need I say more?
Please determine from this day forward to commit to the following, as your life
just might depend on it:
Eat a healthy whole food–based diet
Add whole food supplements to your daily diet, as advised
Walk daily for at least 30 minutes
Eliminate salt and sugar from your diet
Begin making any other necessary lifestyle changes ASAP
Consider essential oil aromatherapy to lower anxiety and stress
Maintain a positive attitude despite life’s many challenges
Keep the faith
I sincerely hope that this true story of my difficult journey from death’s door to
renewed health inspires you and helps you to take whatever action you need to
take to have a long, happy, and healthy life.
May God bless you.

APPENDIX: Classes of Heart Failure
Doctors usually classify patients' heart failure according to the severity of their
symptoms. The table below describes the most commonly used classification
system, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification. It
places patients in one of four categories based on how much they are limited
during physical activity.
Class Patient Symptoms
I No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does
not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea (shortness of breath).
II Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Ordinary
physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea (shortness
of breath).
III Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Less
than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea.
IV Unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort.
Symptoms of heart failure at rest. If any physical activity is
undertaken, discomfort increases.
Class Objective Assessment
A No objective evidence of cardiovascular disease. No symptoms and
no limitation in ordinary physical activity.
B Objective evidence of minimal cardiovascular disease. Mild
symptoms and slight limitation during ordinary activity. Comfortable
at rest.
C Objective evidence of moderately severe cardiovascular disease.
Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during
less-than-ordinary activity. Comfortable only at rest.
D Objective evidence of severe cardiovascular disease. Severe
limitations. Experiences symptoms even while at rest.
GLOSSARY: Cardiology Terminology
Ablation – The removal, isolation or destruction of cardiac tissue or conduction
pathways involved in arrhythmias.
Algorithm – A set of precise rules or procedures programmed into a pacemaker
or defibrillator that are designed to solve a specific problem.
AntiTachycardia Pacing (ATP) – Short, rapid, carefully controlled sequences
of pacing pulses delivered by an ICD and used to terminate a tachycardia in the
atria or ventricles.
Arrest (Cardiac) – Cessation of the heart’s normal rhythmic electrical and/or
mechanical activity which causes immediate haemodynamic compromise.
Arrhythmia – Any heart rhythm that falls outside the accepted norms with
respect to rate, regularity, or sequence of depolarisation. (Any abnormal or
absent heart rhythm.)
Atrial fibrillation (AF) - Very fast, disorganized heart rhythm that starts in the
atria.
Atrial Flutter (AFL) - Fast, organized atrial rhythm.
Atrial Tachycardia (AT) — A rapid heart rate that starts in the atria (includes
AF, and AFL)
Atrioventricular (AV) Node – A section of specialized neuromuscular cells that
are part of the normal conduction pathway between the atria and the ventricles.
(A junction that conducts electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles of
the heart.)
Atrioventricular (AV) Synchrony – The normal activation sequence of the
heart in which the atria contract and then, after a brief delay, the ventricles
contract. The loss of AV synchrony can have significant haemodynamic effects.
Dual chamber pacemakers are designed to attempt to maintain AV synchrony.
Atrium - The heart is divided into four chambers. Each of the two upper
chambers is called an atrium. (Atria is the plural form of atrium.) Either of the
two upper chambers of the heart, above the ventricles that receive blood from the
veins and communicate with the ventricles through the tricuspid (right) or mitral
(left) valve.
Bradycardia ( Bradyarrhythmia) – A heart rate that is abnormally slow;
commonly defined as under 60 beats per minute or a rate that is too slow to
physiologically support a person and their activities.
Cardiac Arrest – Failure of the heart to pump blood through the body. If left
untreated, it is dangerous and life-threatening.
Cardioversion – Termination of an atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmia (other
than ventricular fibrillation) by a delivery of a direct low energy electrical
current which is synchronized to a specific instant during the heart beat (during
to the ventricular depolarization). Synchronization of the shock prevents
shocking during periods which could cause ventricular fibrillation.
Chronic lead – A pacemaker or ICD lead which has been implanted in the past.
Chronotropic incompetence – The inability of the heart to increase its rate
appropriately in response to increased activity or metabolic need, e.g., exercise,
illness, etc.
Class I antiarrhythmic drugs – Drugs which act selectively to depress fast
sodium channels, slowing conduction in all parts of the heart (e.g. Quinidine,
Procainamide, Flecainide, Encainide, Propafenone)
Class II antiarrhythmic drugs – Drugs which act as beta-adrenergic blocking
agents (e.g. Propanolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol)
Class III antiarrhythmic drugs – Drugs which act directly on cardiac cell
membrane, prolong repolarization and refractory periods, increase VF threshold,
and act on peripheral smooth muscle to decrease peripheral resistance (e.g.
amiodarone, sotalol)
Defibrillation – Termination of an erratic, life-threatening arrhythmia of the
ventricles by a high energy, direct current delivered asynchronously to the
cardiac tissue. The defibrillation discharge will often restore the heart’s normal
rhythm.
Diagnostics – Data gathered by an ICD or pacemaker to evaluate patient rhythm
status, verify system operation, or assure appropriate delivery of therapy options.
Dual-Chamber Pacemaker – A pacemaker with two leads (one in the atrium
and one in the ventricle) to allow pacing and/or sensing in both chambers of the
heart to artificially restore the natural contraction sequence of the heart. (Also
called physiologic pacing.)
Ejection Fraction – A measure of the output of the heart with each heartbeat
(stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume)
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A printout from an electrocardiography machine
used to measure and record the electrical activity of the heart.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) – Equipment and appliances that use
magnets and electricity have electromagnetic fields around them. If these fields
are strong, they may interfere with the operation of the ICD.
Electrophysiology (EP) Study – The use of programmed stimulation protocols
to assess the electrical activity of the heart in order to diagnose arrhythmias.
Fibrillation – A chaotic and unsynchronized quivering of the myocardium
during which no effective pumping occurs. Fibrillation may occur in the atria or
the ventricles.
Heart Block – A condition in which electrical impulses are not conducted in the
normal fashion from the atria to the ventricles. May be caused by damage or
disease processes within the cardiac conduction system.
Haemodynamics – The forces involved in circulating blood through the
cardiovascular system. The heart adapts its haemodynamic performance to the
needs of the body, increasing its output of blood when muscles are working and
decreasing output when the body is at rest.
Holter monitoring – A technique for the continuous recording of
electrocardiographic (ECG) signals, usually over 24 hours, to detect and
diagnose ECG changes. (Also called ambulatory monitoring.)
ICD – Abbreviation for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. An ICD is an
implanted device used to treat abnormal, fast heart rhythms. Several types of
therapies are used by the ICD, including cardioversion, defibrillation, and
antitachycardia pacing.
Ischaemia – Insufficient blood flow to tissue due to blockage in the blood flow
through the arteries.
Lead - In an ICD system, the wire or catheter which conducts energy from the
ICD to the heart, and from the heart to the ICD.
Left ventricular dysfunction - A heart condition in which the heart is unable
maintain normal cardiac output due to a deficiency in the left ventricle.
Myocardial infarction – Death of a portion of the heart muscle tissue due to a
blockage or interruption in the supply of blood to the heart muscle.
Myocardium – The middle and the thickest layer of the heart wall, composed of
cardiac muscle.
Premature atrial contraction (PAC) – A contraction in the atrium which is
initiated by an ectopic focus and occurs earlier than the next expected normal
sinus beat.
Premature ventricular contraction (PVC or VPD) – A contraction in the
ventricle which is initiated by an ectopic focus and occurs earlier than the next
expected normal sinus or escape rhythm beat.
Sinoatrial (SA) Node – The heart’s natural pacemaker located in the right
atrium. Electrical impulses originate here and travel through the heart, causing it
to beat.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) – Death due to cardiac causes within 1 hour of the
onset of symptoms, with no prior warning. Usually caused by ventricular
fibrillation.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – A tachycardia originating from above
the ventricles.
Syncope – Fainting, loss of consciousness, or dizziness which may be due to a
transient disturbance of cardiac rhythm (arrhythmia) or other causes.
Tachycardia (Tachyarrhythmia) – Rapid beating of either or both chambers of
the heart, usually defined as a rate over 100 beats per minute.
Ventricle – One of the two lower chambers of the heart. (See Atrium)
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) – Very fast, chaotic, quivering heart contractions
that start in the ventricles. During VF, the heart does not beat properly. This
often results in fainting. If left untreated, it may result in cardiac arrest. Blood is
not pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. Death will occur if
defibrillation is not initiated within 6 minutes from the onset of VF.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – A rapid heart rate that starts in the ventricles.
During VT, the heart does not have time to fill with enough blood between heart
beats to supply the entire body with sufficient blood. It may cause dizziness and
light-headedness.