Angina
Angina is the term for chest pain or discomfort. There are several variations of the condition. "Classic" is usually brought on by exertion or anxiety and is relieved by resting. "Equivalent" is fatigue caused by exertion that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. "Variant" occurs at rest or in atypical patterns at night or after exercise. "Unstable" is pain that changes to become more frequent, more severe or both. This may lead to a myocardial infarction in some patients.
Symptoms
A strangling or constrictive pain in the chest is a classic symptom of the condition. Other common symptoms are a sense of choking or of heaviness, fullness or squeezing pressure around the heart, many times accompanied by pain. These sensations may radiate to the back, arms, neck, lower jaw, teeth and shoulders. These symptoms may be brought on by exercise, stress, meals, cold air or smoking. Other symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness,nausea and anxiety.
Causes
Coronary artery disease or heart disease is the most common cause of angina. It can also be caused by a spasm of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease occurs when cholesterol is deposited in the walls of the artery, forming a hard substance called cholesterol plaque. As time goes on, the arteries narrow due to this plaque, and the patient develops arteriosclerosis. Peripheral causes may include aging, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of the condition or heart attack at a young age, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Stress is a frequent cause.
Cautions
If any of the symptoms occur, you should make an appointment with your doctor, who may refer you to a cardiologist. By catching angina and coronary artery or heart disease early, it may be possible to prevent arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular disease. Herbal remedies should only be used to complement conventional treatments and you should inform your doctor of any herbs you intend to take.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Hawthorn – this herb protects the blood vessels from damage. Taking hawthorn extract three times per day can improve the heart function.
- Turmeric – taking 1 to 6 capsules of turmeric extract with meals may help angina. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, and may help with the pain.
- Green tea – drinking this tea daily may help prevent cholesterol from clogging the arteries and causing angina.
- Garlic – this common culinary herb may help prevent the liver from producing excess cholesterol and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
- Ginkgo biloba – this herb improves the circulation through the entire body, so the heart will benefit from an increased blood supply and decrease incidences.
- Alfalfa – this herb can help reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood and the plaque deposits on the walls of the arteries.
- Ginger – taking ginger every day will reduce the blood pressure, prevent blood clots and reduce cholesterol.
- Lemon – this herb prevents the accumulation of cholesterol as well as other heart problems.
- Parsley – an herbal tea made from parsley taken 2 to 3 times per day can help relieve angina and keep the heart healthy.
- Holy basil – this herb can be taken as a juice. A few teaspoons mixed in warm water with some honey can help to provide relief.
- Bilberry – this herb is very useful for vascular and blood disorders. Commercial preparations can be taken for relieve from this condition, also thrombosis and varicose veins.
- Reishi mushroom – this herb can reduce cholesterol levels and improve the cardiovascular system.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils can be used to reduce stress - a major factor for angina. To give yourself an unwind use the following essential oils in different blended combinations for a massage, bath or vaporisation.