What Is Angina?
Angina is a heart related condition when the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart becomes restricted causing cramping, pain and discomfort in the chest area. The narrowing of the arteries of the heart is the primary reason for the onset of angina, and is typically a sign of an impending heart attack. Angina is typically caused by a number of triggers, including physical exertion, emotional stress and cold temperatures. The narrowing of the arteries of the heart is termed atherosclerosis, a condition that is characterised by the development of fatty plaques in the artery walls.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A high-fat diet; and
- Insufficient exercise
Angina Symptoms
The most common symptom of an angina attack include tightness or heaviness in the chest area. This may become a pain in the middle of the chest, which may induce the sufferer to sweat and become breathless. A pain radiating from the chest down the arms and up the neck is also common.
Types of Angina
There are two types of angina, namely stable and unstable angina. Stable angina describes the onset of angina symptoms that are related to a specific activity, such as exercise or overexertion and only appear then.
Unstable angina is more unpredictable, develops rapidly, and can be life threatening. Conventional medical treatments for angina are via the use of nitrates which help to dilate blood vessels, thereby improving blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Beta blockers are also prescribed; which slow the heart rate thereby reducing the need for oxygen. Both have a range of side effects.
Natural Treatments for Angina
Natural treatments are an increasingly popular form of treatment for a range of conditions, including angina, and are primarily valued for their relative lack of side effects. Herbal medicine may recommend treatments such as green tea, ginger and garlic which are valued for their cholesterol reducing properties. A nutritionist may recommend a diet high in calcium, which can help to strengthen the muscles of the heart; while hypnotherapy may be helpful in stress reduction for an angina sufferer.
Originally published on Jul 22, 2010
