Cardiology

Hawthorn Forte: what it is and what it is used for

Compound

The drug "Hawthorn Forte" refers to biologically active additives, the composition of the tablet of which includes:

  • dry extract of flowers and fruits of hawthorn;
  • macronutrients (potassium and magnesium);
  • Excipients.

There is also a capsule form, which, in addition to these components, also contains an extract of red wine and green tea.

The main active ingredients of hawthorn are flavonoids (quercitin, vitexin, hyperoside), organic acids (oleanolic, caffeic, ursolic). The fruits of the plant are rich in vitamins E, C, K, provitamin A (carotene), macro- and microelements (Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), K (potassium), Zn (zinc)).

Mechanism of action

The active components of the phytopreparation affect the cardiovascular system with the following effects:

  • normalization of the heart rate;
  • cardiotonic effect (increase the contractility of the myocardium, while reducing its excitability);
  • improvement of coronary and cerebral blood circulation, due to which ischemic disorders are eliminated;
  • lowering the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL, the so-called "bad" cholesterol);
  • normalization of electrolyte balance, which is necessary for high-quality heart function;
  • antioxidant action;
  • increases sensitivity to the action of glycosides;
  • general tonic effect - improves immunity, general resistance of the body, reduces fatigue;
  • normalizes the blood coagulation system, prevents the development of thromboembolic complications.

Special attention is paid to the sedative properties of hawthorn. In combination with other herbal remedies (lemon balm, mint, motherwort), it is used in the treatment of depression and panic attacks. A significant difference from other drugs is the lack of a hypnotic effect.

Due to such an impressive list of pharmacological effects, this herbal preparation is widely used in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Instructions for use

Despite the relative safety of this phytopreparation, a specialist consultation is required before using it. In addition, this dietary supplement cannot provide a complete treatment for many diseases, since its use is more of a preventive nature..

Indications

Hawthorn Forte is used to treat the following pathologies:

  • ischemic heart disease (including for the prevention of myocardial infarction);
  • arterial hypertension;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • arrhythmias (sinus tachycardia, extrasystoles, blockade);
  • hypertensive type of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • heart pain (cardialgia) of functional origin;
  • chronic heart failure;
  • metabolic myocardiopathies (alcoholic, medication, diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathologies);
  • prevention of acute disorders of cerebral circulation (strokes).

Contraindications and side effects

Despite the fact that the drug belongs to the class of dietary supplements, there are some contraindications to its use:

  • increased individual sensitivity to phytopreparation ingredients;
  • arterial hypotension, including orthostatic;
  • the initial period after an acute stroke or myocardial infarction;
  • acute or chronic renal failure;
  • period of childbearing and breastfeeding;
  • age up to 14 years (relative limitation, in some cases hawthorn can be taken by children under medical supervision).

Hawthorn Forte is a safe supplement that rarely causes side effects. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur, manifested as a rash (hives), erythema (redness of the skin), or itching. In more severe cases, you should consult your doctor for additional advice.

In case of an overdose, the following symptoms may occur:

  • significant drop in blood pressure, collapse;
  • vegetative disorders (dizziness, dyspeptic disorders, feeling of weakness);
  • drowsiness;
  • bradycardia (slow heartbeat).

In this case, it is necessary to stop taking the medication and consult a cardiologist who will adjust the dose.

Hawthorn enhances the action of cardiac glycosides. It is forbidden to take it together with antiarrhythmic drugs of the 3rd group (Amiodarone, Solatol, Ibutilide) and cyazapride derivatives.

Dosage and method of administration

The instruction for "Hawthorn Forte" contains the following instructions for taking the drug:

  1. The phytopreparation should be taken 1-2 tablets / capsules 2-3 times a day, the exact dosage is set by the cardiologist.
  2. You need to take the medicine during meals, dissolving the pill in the mouth (the capsules are swallowed whole).
  3. It is not recommended to take the tablets on an empty stomach, since hawthorn has a negative effect on the mucous membrane.
  4. To achieve a stable positive result, the course of admission should last at least one month.
  5. After the specified period, take a break for 2 weeks, since the components of hawthorn can accumulate in the body and cause an overdose.
  6. After a break, the reception is continued at the same dose.

Analogs of "Hawthorn Forte" are drugs "Doppelgerz" and "Cregium".

Conclusions

The active ingredients of "Hawthorn Forte" help to improve the functioning of the heart muscle, while reducing pathological excitability and eliminate arrhythmias. Another important property of the drug is the ability to improve the blood supply to the myocardium due to the expansion of the coronary arteries. The absence of serious contraindications and side effects, the relatively low price makes the Hawthorn Forte dietary supplement one of the best herbal remedies for the treatment and prevention of heart disease.