Chiropractic Care Improves Heart Health in Austin TX

February is American Heart Month.This month we join in a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke. Read on to learn how chiropractic care in Austin TX can significantly help to prevent and treat heart disease.

Heart Disease in Austin TX

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 600,00 Americans die of heart disease each year. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. Anyone can develop heart disease. It occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in your arteries. When this happens, your arteries narrow. Over time, they reduce blood flow to the heart. Risk factors for heart disease include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use.

Chiropractic Adjustments For Heart Health
The heart and blood vessels are connected to the central nervous system. One of these connections is the vagus nerve, which comes from the brain. Another is the autonomic nervous system, or ANS. The ANS controls blood vessels, organs & glands, breathing problems, and inflammation. These nerves control heart rate and blood pressure. Chiropractic adjustments help remove interference from the nervous system, and thus benefit your heart. If you have a well adjusted nervous system all of these complexities work in a coherent fashion.

Chiropractic Care For Your Blood Pressure
Many studies have found that regular chiropractic care can help to lower blood pressure. One study, conducted by the University of Chicago, involved 50 individuals who had both high blood pressure and spinal misalignments in their neck. After just one chiropractic adjustment, their blood pressure decreased significantly and stayed at the lower rates for as many as eight weeks.

Chiropractic Care Improves Heart Rate Variability
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat. This is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls our heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion. HRV identifies imbalances in the ANS. A low HRV is associated with an increased risk of heart disease- heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. According to research, chiropractic care has a positive effect on HRV. Chiropractic adjustments directly influence the autonomic nervous system by improving HRV.

Chiropractic Adjustments For Chest Pain
Chest pain can be musculoskeletal in nature. Examples include: rib misalignment, Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone, or thoracic vertebrae subluxation, an off-centering or rotation of the vertebra. Pain caused by any of these might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions causing chest pain and shortness of breath. Curative therapy from a doctor of chiropractic is not only imperative, but might also save patients from the “million dollar work-up”.

Adjustments Can Improve Lung Function
Smoking or poor lung function has been linked to heart failure. For example, COPD can cause the development of right-sided heart failure. This occurs when low oxygen levels cause a rise in blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Chest wall impairment is a contributing factor in COPD. Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustments, can increase joint mobility and decrease muscle tension. These adjustments will reduce chest wall rigidity thus making it easier to breath.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SPINE & YOUR HEART

Chiropractic adjustments influence health and function far beyond simply making a positive impact on back and neck pain. Scientific evidence shows an close connection exists between the spine and the autonomic nervous system. Nervous system interference results in lowered heart rate variability, making a person more susceptible to conditions like heart disease. Spinal pain does not serve as a reliable indicator of nervous system interference similar to how pain does not serve as a reliable indicator of high blood pressure. Proactive spinal care serves as a proven method of proactive health care. Gentle and effective chiropractic care can improve your heart health.

Call (512) 288-7000 to schedule your appointment today.