Angina

Angina

Angina is the term used to describe the chest pain experienced as a result of heart disease.

The most common cause is narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle – atherosclerosis. This narrowing is a result of build-up of fat deposits and/or blood clots within the artery, leading to reduced blood supply to the heart, and consequently death of areas of heart muscle – ischaemia.

Risk factors for developing Angina include: smoking, overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure and raised blood fats.

Typically the pain of Angina is experienced as a tight band across the chest. It may radiate into the neck, the lower jaw and down the arms. It may come on in response to extremes of temperature, exercise and high emotions. There may be associated breathlessness, faintness and feelings of nausea.

An electrocardiogram (heart tracing) will show changes associated with heart ischaemia. Poorly controlled Angina may eventually progress on to a full heart attack.

Complementary Health Advice

Diet & Nutritional therapy

Increase intake of co-enzyme Q10, the minerals selenium, zinc and magnesium and the essential fatty acids EPA (from fish oils), GLA (from starflower and evening primrose oils).

Herbal Therapies

Garlic, motherwort and hawthorn berries may help to ease Angina-type symptoms.

The following complementary therapies can be used in the treatment of Angina:
Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutritional Therapy, T’ai Chi, Relaxation Therapy, Yoga