Angina
Angina is a cardiovascular syndrome caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardial ischemia) from the coronary arteries, which become partially blocked. The symptoms of angina can be relatively similar to a heart attack (myocardial infarction), therefore it is important to seek medical assistance immediately if you suspect that you may be having a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery is completely occluded resulting in the cardiac muscle being injured. Both angina and a heart attack are associated with central tightness or chest pain, although in angina the pain commonly comes on after exercise and usually subsides after 20mins. When the symptoms of angina occur randomly, especially at rest, it is called unstable angina which should be further investigated.
Symptoms
- Central chest tightness
- Chest pain
- Usually on exertion or exercise
- Occurs in episodes
- Shortness of breath
- If you feel a crushing central chest pain lasting longer than 20mins that may or may not radiate to your arms or neck, seek urgent medical advice.
Causes
Over time, the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle are narrowed and become blocked by fatty plaques called atheromas. The development of atheromas depends on a number of risk factors and causes.
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history
- Stress
Treatments
Aspirin is useful to reduce the clotting of blood within the coronary arteries. Nitrates such as glycerol trinitrate are used to allow the blood vessels to open up during attacks of angina. This may come in the form of a spray, which is squirted under the tongue for rapid absorption. Other drugs to treat and manage the risk factors are also used, such as blood pressure lowering drugs (antihypertensives) and drugs to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Natural Therapies
It is important to address the risk factors and causes of angina, in order to reduce the risk of developing angina and to prevent further episodes. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended, as smoking contributes to the development of angina by causing the arteries to becomes stiffened and less elastic. Nutrition and exercise play a major role in all cardiovascular diseases, particularly in those people with angina. It is well known that regular physical exercise improves your overall heart health and blood vessels. As well as physically burning fats and energy, exercise also has a positive impact on your mental health relieving stress. Eating foods low in cholesterol may keep your blood cholesterol level within normal limits, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fats can be beneficial to heart and blood vessel health, reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as angina. Improving you nutrition improves heart health, particularly folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10. Yoga is also recommended to anyone with cardiovascular diseases such as angina or to reduce the risk of developing such diseases, as it reduces levels of stress and improves mental health.
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