What is Angina?
Angina is a heart condition that often is an indication of an impending heart attack, and is characterised by a narrowing of the arteries of the heart which causes mild to severe chest pain and discomfort. This is the result of the coronary arteries not delivering an adequate amount of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The narrowing of the arteries is termed atherosclerosis and can result from a number of factors, including:
- An inherited condition
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- A high fat diet; and
- A lack of exercise
- Atherosclerosis is the result of fatty plaques or cholesterol collecting in the arteries, which over time accumulate and lead to a reduced flow of oxygenated blood.
Angina Symptoms
Tightness or pains in the chest area are the most common symptoms of angina, together with sweating and breathlessness. There are two types of angina that affect a sufferer's health, namely stable and unstable angina. Stable angina is experienced when an individual engages in exercise or overexertion, while unstable angina is more irregular and develops rapidly, which makes it potentially life threatening. Modern drug treatments for angina mostly use agents that help to dilate the blood vessels; or alternatively slow heart rate – both aimed at improving the flow of oxygen to the heart.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is an ancient form of healing that utilises a range of plant derived products, including elements of the roots, stems, leaves or flowers. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Ayurvedic tradition of India both make extensive use of herbal medicine.
Herbal Medicine for Angina
Herbal treatments for angina are primarily focused on prevention. Many herbal medicine treatments are also aimed at either dilating the coronary arteries, promoting the flow of blood to the heart or reducing the presence of fatty acids in the bloodstream. The following herbal remedies have traditionally been prescribed to alleviate angina:
- Cactus – a cardiac stimulant
- Garlic – reduces the production of fats and cholesterol
- Ginkgo biloba – an antioxidant that also promotes blood flow throughout the body
- Green tea – reduces cholesterol and fatty acids in the blood stream
- Hawthorn – promotes dilation of the arteries and increased blood flow
- Turmeric – helps to lower cholesterol
To learn more about how herbal medicine can help with this condition, find a qualified herbalist in your area. Or find out about other effective natural angina treatments.
Originally published on Sep 30, 2010
