Home Remedies and Herbs for Angina (Chest Pain)

If you’re a heart patient, you may have heard the term angina used to describe a certain medical condition relating to the heart. The heart is the largest muscle in the human body. Angina is the medical term used to describe chest pain or chest discomfort because of coronary heart disease. ¹

What Causes Angina?

Angina is caused in most cases by coronary heart disease (CHD for short). That is to say, most of the time when a patient presents with angina it is because the angina is linked to a pre-existing condition involving the heart. This condition most often is CHD. ²

What are the Symptoms of Angina?

Angina can present with a list of symptoms that sometimes mimic other diseases or conditions. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period of time. A doctor may also suspect angina if many of these symptoms have been experienced before or in combination with each other. They may indicate angina. These symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Pain in your arms, neck, jaw or chest
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath/trouble breathing
• Sweating not accompanied by exercise
• Dizziness not accompanied by exercise or other medical conditions ³

How is Angina Diagnosed?

Due to angina symptoms being very similar to a heart attack or other pre-existing condition, it is best to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to be properly diagnosed. A doctor will usually start the diagnosis by reviewing your medical history. This is done to rule out a heart attack or other cardiovascular condition or to review for a history of angina in the past. From that point the doctor will then do a physical exam, ask you some questions about your symptoms and potentially order a series of other tests such as:

• Stress tests
• Chest X Rays
• EKG ⁴

How is Angina Treated?

Angina can be treated in a variety of ways. Some ways include building up the heart muscle through light exercise while many doctors will prescribe medications to keep the angina under control. The disease is most often treated with a combination of a few medications while some doctors also embrace an approach that includes natural therapies such as acupuncture if the patient’s angina is considered stable. If the angina is problematic enough, a small machine may be given to the patient in order to relieve the discomfort of the disease. ⁵

Natural Medicinal Options for Angina

There are a few natural options for helping to relieve the symptoms of angina. They can be used in accordance with a doctor and if the patient feels that they may benefit from their use. Almost all of these options can be used orally. They include:

• Cayenne Pepper-When used orally the warmth associated with this plant has been seen to potentially dilate blood vessels thereby lessening the symptom of chest pain in angina patients.
• Turmeric-This herb can be used in the same way the pepper is used. The reasoning is because just like the pepper it can keep blood vessels open. In a person with angina it may lessen the pain in the chest.
• Garlic-Garlic has many potential medicinal benefits. Angina is no exception. Garlic has been shown to have potentially great benefits for the cardiovascular system which also suggests it may be helpful in treating angina.

This is a short list of potential options for treating angina. It is not extensive but they are believed to be helpful for patients. As with anything, a doctor should always supervise treatment.

Conclusion

Angina is a cardiovascular disease that can mimic other problems. That is why the patient needs to see a doctor right away to get a proper diagnosis of angina. Following a treatment plan that is approved by a doctor and potentially adding in the natural options listed above may provide relief from the symptoms of angina. The disease can be managed and when it is the patient can lead a long and normal life.

References

1. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/
2. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/angina/causes
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/basics/symptoms/
4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/angina/diagnosis
5. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angina/Pages/Treatment.aspx