Angina - What is it?

Angina is not a heart attack but it is a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or cardiac episode. Angina is essentially a constriction or restriction in blood flow causing chest pain or discomfort due to a lack of blood, and therefore, a lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

While certain foods, lifestyle regimens and other home remedies may help reduce or reverse Angina smyptoms, the advice and care of a physician is a necessary first step in addressing any treatment.

What are the symptoms of Angina?

Angina symptoms vary and may include pressure and/or a tightening or aching across the chest particularly in the area of the breastbone. The pain may also radiate to other parts of the body including next, arms, back and jaw or teeth. Other symptoms may also include indigestion, heartburn, weakness, sweating, nausea, cramping and shortness of breath.

Angina typically occurs during or after periods of exertion, emotional stress or distress or after a heavy meal and may last for a period of 1 to 15 minutes. Angina pain does not typically last long and will generally erase with rest.

Angina is a relatively common syndrome and is typically found within the older population.

What are treatments for Angina?

Common Angina treatments include Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) under the tongue where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, typically easing the pain within a minute or so. GTN helps to relax blood vessels, in turn reducing the amount of stress placed on the heart. GTN side effects may include headache or flushing of the skin.

A statin drug to help lower cholesterol levels in the body by blocking enzymes.

Aspirin or antiplatelet drugs which help by keeping blood from clotting.

Beta-blockers, a class of drugs which aid by blocking certain hormones such as adrenaline and other similar stress hormones.

ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to help slow the activity of the ACE enzyme in the body, helping blood vessels to enlarge or dilate thus reducing blood pressure, making it easier to pump blood.

Angina Home Remedies

First of all, consult your doctor if you have any chest related pain; Angina is one of the first signs of serious heart issues.

While home remedies may help reverse or alleviate some symptoms of Angina, typically, lifestyle choices are the first line of defence. These should include not smoking or stopping smoking; regular blood pressure check-ups; weight management and/or loss; managing cholesterol levels; moderate exercise or work-out regimens; healthy food and diet choices; and moderate alcohol consumption which can be heart beneficial.

Relaxation, meditation, stretching or yoga can also help with stress management, thus helping to relieve angina pain.

A vegetarian diet may help reduce or reverse Angina symptoms.

Food specific Angina home remedies parsley, gooseberry, lemon, honey and garlic. Apples are also heart healthy and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and cereals with natural fibres and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E is also recommended.

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