Coronary Artery Disease, Dan Shen and San Qi

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Coronary artery disease is characterized by blockages in the major vessels that feed oxygen-rich blood to the heart. These blockages are cholesterol deposits that obstruct blood flow and may cause additional problems if they rupture.

If a coronary artery is obstructed enough, it may result in a heart attack. Preventing this may be a matter of life and death, and there are plenty of treatment options that can be used for the condition, including Chinese medicinal herbs like Dan Shen and San Qi.

What are the Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease?

There are numerous risk factors associated with coronary artery disease, including:

• Age – older people are more likely to develop the condition
• Family history of heart disease
• Gender – men are at an increased risk
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight
• An unhealthy diet
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive stress
• Too little or too much sleep

When coronary artery disease is in its early stages, there may be no signs of the condition. As the condition worsens, though, symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Eventually, coronary artery disease will lead to a heart attack if not treated.

How Can Chinese Medicinal Herbs Help with Coronary Artery Disease?

Improving lifestyle and behavioral factors are irreplaceable elements of treating coronary artery disease. Western medicine also utilizes several classes of drugs, including blood thinners, to treat the condition. These medications frequently have adverse side effects, but patients are strongly encouraged to remain on them given the fatal danger of heart attacks.

To offset these adverse effects and to improve cardiovascular function, an increasing number of patients are turning to Chinese medicine for additional treatment. Two herbs in particular – Dan Shen and San Qi – are frontline options for Chinese medicine practitioners. They’re often formulated together for coronary artery disease patients.

Dan Shen is a bitter, slightly cold herb derived from the red sage root. It is effective at removing blood stasis – the Chinese medicine term for conditions that interfere with efficient blood flow. San Qi is a warm herb derived from the pseudoginseng plant and is also effective at improving blood flow and preventing unchecked bleeding.

These herbs have been studied together and researchers have found that a Dan Shen and San Qi combination can improve platelet aggregation (platelet clotting in response to vessel or cholesterol deposit rupture) and endothelium health (the vessel lining that protects the vessel from injury). These effects can improve circulation health and performance in coronary artery disease patients. Have a conversation with your Houston practitioner today to understand the ways they can be of assistance.