Fast Facts about Angina
- Angina pain occurs when there is some tightness, blockage or discomfort in the heart muscles as it receives low amounts of oxygen.
- As per the statistics, there were 445,687 deaths in the United States caused by angina which led to coronary heart disease in 2005.
- Each year, an estimated of 500,000 cases of angina are reported each year.
- There are nearly 82,000 hospitalizations due to angina pains in the United States of America.
- Approximately 6.4 million Americans suffer from angina.
- People who are at most risk include those with higher levels of cholesterol; including those who are overweight, suffer form high blood pressure or diabetic.
Angina Pectoris or angina refers to tightness, discomfort or chest pain which occurs when the heart muscles receives a decreased amount of oxygen. Not to be mistaken, angina is not a health condition itself, but rather a symptom of coronary artery disease, which is the most common type of heart—related disease.
The coronary arteries supply the blood to the heart which then further branches off into smaller veins and arteries. When one of these arteries narrows due to some buildup in the way, the blood and oxygen supply to the heart decreases. The buildup is usually cholesterol that lines up against the walls of the arteries, narrowing the passage for a smooth blood flow. When the heart is expected to pump blood faster such as during exerciser, the lack of oxygen triggers the pain as more and more blood tries to pass through the blocked vein. This is when the symptoms of angina occur.
People who are at most risk of suffering from an angina attack include:
- Obese Men/women
- People who smoke
- People with hypertension
- People with unhealthy cholesterol
- Diabetics
- People with a family history of heart disease
- People over 45 years of age
Symptoms
The symptoms of angina include:
- Pain in the arm, shoulder, jaw, or back
- Discomfort or pain in the chest area
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sweat
- Shortness of breath
Most people describe angina as chest pain or tightness in the area around the shoulder, however, these aren’t the only signs of an angina attack. Typically, the pain must reside after 10 -15 minutes, but if one continues to feel tightness long after that, seeking immediate help is the best option. One must also consult a physician if the pain occurs frequently, especially when not indulging in any hardcore workout, lifting, or exercise.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage angina, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing angina and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for angina. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with angina:
Bilberry
It contains anthocyanosides that are powerful antioxidants known to strengthen blood vessels and the capillary walls. It also stabilizes collagen tissues like the tendons, cartilage and ligaments and has cholesterol-lowering properties. Additionally, it allows for a smoother flow of oxygen through the arteries and is also used to open up arteries and blood vessels which ultimately prevents high blood pressure
Hawthorn
Hawthorn has long been used to treat angina pains and promote the circulatory system’s heath. It does so by strengthening the heart and preventing high blood pressure or plaque buildup. All thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps in a smoother flow of oxygen through the arteries, and alleviates pain or discomfort in the chest caused by angina.
Reishi Mushroom (Red)
Chines call is the “Medicine of the kings” and one can’t disagree. Used for centuries as a herbal remedy these red mushrooms reduce tightness in the chest, thus preventing angina attacks. Many recent studies revealed that the mushrooms possess many preventive and therapeutic ingredients that eliminate plague buildup in the coronary arteries. Those who have used reishi mushrooms have reported significant improvement in their overall cardiovascular heath.
HEART FORMULA
It is a heart tonic popular among the masses for its vitality to prevent cardiac arrest. The formula boosts blood dilation in the arteries which prevents angina attacks. Although, not a medication for angina itself, it enhances the circulation of the blood throughout the body.
l-Carnitine (30 caps)
These capsules aim to improve the overall cardiovascular health. The active ingredientsin the capsules help one prevent heart-relatedconditions such as angina pain by improving its functioning. It is also highly beneficial to treat chronic fatigue, impotence, kidney problems and weight loss etc.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing angina, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.