Some time ago, Natural Heart Doctor received an email from a woman whose husband has cardiomyopathy, thought to be due to sarcoidosis, and could we help him.
I quickly picked up the phone to call the woman. I told her that I am not the worldwide expert in sarcoidosis, but I am the best at finding the CAUSE of why you have symptoms and signs of disease.
Sarcoidosis is just another label. It is not a cause of sickness, but a result of sickness.
More on my patient in a little bit. But first…..
What is Sarcoid?
Imagine our immune system – the body’s knight in shining armor – suddenly getting caught in overdrive. Instead of its regular defense duties, it starts forming tight clusters of inflamed cells called “granulomas.” These lumps often pop up on organs like the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. But in some instances they make a surprising appearance in the heart.
Here’s a number to ponder: 5 out of 100,000 white folks get hit with sarcoidosis. But for African Americans? That number jumps to a whopping 39 in 100,000. And with a U.S. average hovering around 15 cases per 100,000, sarcoidosis isn’t some rare medical trivia—it’s front and center, calling for our focus and action.
Conventional medicine hasn’t quite cracked the mystery of sarcoidosis, often suggesting bacteria, viruses, or genetics might be to blame. But if you dig deeper it all circles back to inflammation—a common thread in many heart-related issues. This inflammation often stems not from mysterious invaders but from the repercussions of an unhealthy lifestyle.
How Does Sarcoidosis Affect the Heart?
The heart, with its labyrinth of chambers and rhythms, can become an unwilling host to this condition, leading to what we know as cardiac sarcoidosis.
Cardiac sarcoidosis means clusters of inflamed cells are making themselves at home in the heart. This unwelcome visit can throw off the heart’s rhythm, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. In some cases, this might manifest as palpitations or the feeling of a “skipped beat.”
In more severe instances, these electrical disturbances can culminate in life-threatening conditions or even sudden cardiac death. Complete heart block is the most common finding with cardiac sarcoidosis, reported in 23–30 percent of patients.
Moreover, these clusters of inflamed cells can tire out the heart muscle, setting the stage for heart failure. This is when the heart’s pumping game slips, potentially resulting in fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling of the legs and ankles.
Cardiac sarcoidosis can be a silent operator, showing no symptoms in its initial stages, making it a stealthy adversary. While it’s difficult to diagnose, it’s typically found through testing, which may include an echocardiogram, EKG, cardiac MRI, PET scan, event monitor, heart catheterization, or cardiac biopsy.
Understanding how sarcoidosis affects the heart is paramount. It’s not merely about knowing the medical jargon but realizing the profound impact on a person’s daily life and well-being.
Conventional Treatment of Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Navigating cardiac sarcoidosis with traditional medicine has several approaches:
1. Pharmaceuticals
Doctors typically turn to corticosteroids as the first line of defense to dial down the immune system. Oftentimes, beta-blockers are also prescribed. While these drugs may improve heart function temporarily, they don’t address the root cause of the problem. Plus, long-term use of these drugs can usher in a slew of side effects.
2. Surgical Procedures
When medications don’t do the trick, procedures like catheter ablation come into play to manage persistent arrhythmias. However, like any surgery, it carries inherent risks and isn’t a permanent fix.
3. Implantable Devices
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a technological answer to some severe cardiac sarcoidosis cases. Yet, while they monitor and correct heart rhythms, they don’t treat the underlying inflammation. And there’s always a risk when introducing foreign devices into the body.
To sum up, while these treatments can manage symptoms and potentially life-threatening situations, they don’t necessarily tackle the root of the issue. Moreover, they introduce their own set of challenges and risks.
NHD Approach to Treating Sarcoidosis
The Natural Heart Doctor approach unifies three pillars of wellness: Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well. Delving into this trinity offers a comprehensive strategy against sarcoidosis, focusing on inflammation and heart well-being.
While lifestyle and dietary adjustments form the core of the NHD approach, understanding the body’s internal environment through meticulous blood testing is paramount. The crux of sarcoidosis, like many cardiovascular conditions, lies in inflammation. Thus, monitoring inflammation markers in blood tests isn’t just recommended—it’s a necessity. These markers provide a roadmap, highlighting areas in the body that demand immediate attention.
Supplementation, when done right, plays a pivotal role in healing. But it’s not about blindly throwing pills down the hatch; it’s about leveraging evidence-based supplements that address individual needs, filling dietary gaps, and promoting heart health. Whether it’s omega-3s for their anti-inflammatory properties or antioxidants for their cell-protective capabilities, each supplement serves a targeted purpose.
Yet, the true victory in treating sarcoidosis is not merely managing symptoms but identifying and addressing its root: inflammation. By targeting the underlying inflammation, we aren’t just offering a temporary solution but advocating for transformative, long-term health.
My patient
After my consultation with the man and his wife, I suggested Level 2 testing. The results showed many different abnormalities. But one stood out..mold mycotoxins were extremely high. I knew that mold was causing his sarcoid. And I showed him evidence of this inside an article about sarcoid and mold in a home from 2011.
He remediated the mold. Cleaned his air. Detoxed.
Now, from 7 pharmaceuticals, he is only on two. And working to get off those.
Next Steps
Sarcoidosis might sound ominous, but remember—it’s not a death sentence.
If you’re grappling with a diagnosis, supporting someone close, or maybe just wrestling with unexplained symptoms like an erratic heartbeat or relentless tiredness, remember: this journey isn’t a solo expedition.
Consider diving deeper by scheduling a free 20-minute chat with one of our expert health coaches. It’s not just talk—it’s your starting line to a brighter, well-informed tomorrow.
