Reduce My Stroke Risk?

Cardiotoxic chemotherapy regimens during conventional therapy for multiple myeloma left me with chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy and Atrial fibrillation (Afib) in 2010. Afib increases stroke risk. In the years since that diagnosis I have searched for any/all forms of non-toxic therapies to reduce my stroke risk. According to the article below cocoa coffee tea reduce stroke risk.

“The rate of ischemic stroke among patients with nonvalvular AF averages 5 percent per year, which is 2 to 7 times that of the general adult population. The risk of stroke increases from 1.5 percent for patients with AF who are 50 to 59 years of age to 23 percent for those who are aged 80 to 89.”

According to the information linked above, Afib increases my risk of stroke from 1.5% annually to 5% annually.

I undergo eight of the non-conventional therapies below to reduce my risk of stroke in addition to cocoa coffee tea to reduce stroke risk.

What are the non-conventional therapies shown to reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation?

Here are some non-conventional therapies that have shown potential in reducing stroke risk in AF patients:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties, which may reduce the risk of stroke. Studies on their effectiveness in AF have been mixed, with some suggesting potential benefits in reducing the risk of arrhythmias and stroke, while others show no significant effect.

2. Magnesium Supplementation

Magnesium plays a role in maintaining normal heart rhythm. Low magnesium levels have been linked to an increased risk of AF and stroke. Some small studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may help stabilize heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications, although more research is needed.

3. Mind-Body Interventions (Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation)

Yoga and Tai Chi have been associated with improvements in heart rate variability and reductions in AF episodes. Stress and anxiety, which can trigger AF, may also be reduced through meditation and mindfulness practices, potentially lowering stroke risk by promoting overall cardiovascular health.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been studied for its potential to reduce the frequency and severity of AF episodes. While the mechanism is unclear, it is thought to have effects on the autonomic nervous system, which may help regulate heart rhythms. Preliminary evidence suggests that it could help reduce AF recurrence and may lower the risk of stroke indirectly by improving heart rhythm.

5. Herbal Remedies

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) are traditional herbs sometimes used in cardiovascular conditions. Hawthorn may improve circulation and support heart function, while Danshen is thought to have anticoagulant properties. However, evidence is limited, and the use of herbal remedies can carry risks, especially when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin.

6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that may support heart function and energy production. Some studies suggest it could help improve heart rhythm and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering stroke risk in AF patients.

7. Vitamin D

There is growing evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of AF and stroke. Supplementation in deficient individuals may help reduce inflammation and improve heart function, potentially lowering stroke risk.

8. Dietary Changes

A Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (especially olive oil), and fish, has been linked to a lower risk of AF and cardiovascular disease, including stroke. The diet’s anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties may benefit AF patients.
Additionally, some research suggests that intermittent fasting may help reduce AF burden, possibly by reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health.

9. Probiotics and Gut Health

Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiome health can impact cardiovascular health. Some studies have proposed that probiotics or a diet high in fiber could influence heart rhythm by reducing systemic inflammation, though this area is still under investigation.

10. Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

This is a form of bodywork that involves gentle manipulation of the cranial bones, spine, and sacrum. While there is no direct evidence supporting its use for reducing stroke risk in AF, some claim it may help by reducing stress and tension, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health.

11. Chelation Therapy

Although controversial, chelation therapy (the removal of heavy metals from the body) has been suggested to reduce cardiovascular risk, including stroke, by reducing oxidative stress. However, its use in stroke prevention is not widely accepted, and more rigorous studies are needed.

12. Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been explored as a way to regulate heart rhythm by influencing the autonomic nervous system. Early research suggests that this therapy might reduce AF episodes, but its impact on stroke risk is still being studied.

Only time will tell if I non-conventional therapies have reduce my risk of stroke enough but I’m working at it.

If you are interested in learning more about possible cancer therapy side effects email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

Thank you,

David Emerson

Cancer Survivor
Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa and Risk of Stroke

“Introduction

Coffee, tea, and cocoa are important dietary sources of polyphenols and have received much attention during the past years because of their potential beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The polyphenols in these beverages and cocoa may reduce the risk of stroke through multiple mechanisms, including antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects as well as through improvements of vascular endothelial function and insulin sensitivity…

Coffee

Coffee is a complex beverage with hundreds of bioactive components with potential adverse or beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. The most abundant bioactive compounds in coffee are caffeine, diterpenes (present in the oil), and polyphenols…

Epidemiological Studies on Coffee and Stroke

In the past, coffee was generally viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, recent evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption may reduce stroke risk. Results from a meta-analysis of 11 prospective studies (published through January 2011) involving 479 689 participants and 10 003 stroke cases showed a nonlinear relationship between coffee consumption and stroke risk (Figure 1).¹³

Compared with no coffee consumption, the overall relative risks (RRs; 95% CI) of total stroke were 0.87 (0.81–0.93) for 2, 0.84 (0.77–0.91) for 3−4, 0.88 (0.79–0.97) for 6, and 0.94 (0.80–1.10) for 8 cups/d of coffee.¹³ Risk estimates were similar for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and for men and women at lower levels of coffee consumption (≤2 cups/d).^13….

Cacao Products

Cacao products, such as chocolate, are rich sources of flavonoids, mainly flavan-3-ols (also referred to as flavanols), which are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Both the flavan-3-ol content and the total antioxidant capacity in plasma increase after cocoa consumption.^26–‘

Several controlled intervention studies have found that flavanols present in cocoa may improve platelet function. Based on data from 5 trials, Ostertag et al³⁰estimated that intake of 100 mg of flavanols induces a 3% to 11% reduction in platelet aggregation…

Epidemiological Studies on Chocolate and Stroke

The few prospective studies of chocolate consumption in relation to stroke risk have reported either a statistically significant^31–33 or a nonsignificant inverse association^34,35 (Figure 2).

Results from a meta-analysis of those 5 studies (4 from Europe and 1 from the United States) showed a significant 19% lower risk of stroke when comparing the highest with the lowest category of chocolate consumption (Figure 2) and a significant 14% reduction in stroke risk for a 50-g/week increment in chocolate consumption, without heterogeneity among studies.³³

There was indication of potential publication bias in the meta-analysis for the highest versus lowest category of chocolate consumption (Egger test: P=0.03) but not in the dose–response meta-analysis (Egger test: P=0.26).^33…

Summary

Current evidence from experimental studies in animals and humans along with findings from prospective studies indicates beneficial effects of green and black tea as well as chocolate on cardiovascular health, and that tea and chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of stroke.

The strongest evidence exists for beneficial effects of tea and cocoa on endothelial function, total and LDL cholesterol (tea only), and insulin sensitivity (cocoa only).

The majority of prospective studies have reported a weak inverse association between moderate consumption of coffee and risk of stroke. However, there are yet no clear biological mechanisms whereby coffee might provide cardiovascular health benefits.

Awaiting the results from further long-term RCTs and prospective studies, moderate consumption of filtered coffee, tea, and dark chocolate seems prudent.”

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