Angina is pain in the chest from a lack, or lessening, of the supply of blood and oxygen to the muscles of the heart.
This is most often caused by atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries.
The build up of plaque in the arteries causes less blood flow to the muscles of the heart.
Spasms of the coronary arteries can also lower the blood supply to the heart.
This lower amount may be enough while at rest but when the heart is under stress, such as during exercise, the need for oxygen increases.
The lower blood supply cannot keep up with this increased need and pain and pressure result.
The pain is usually felt as slight pressure just below the sternum to start and then may begin to increase and radiate down the arm and into the jaw.
It will usually subside with rest.
If the pain does not subside after rest or is stronger than the usual angina pain it is important to seek immediate medical attention, since you may be experiencing a heart attack.
Angina sufferers must address the underlying issues that lead to the condition.
A healthy diet of quality whole foods, low in saturated fat (and especially trans fats), and with plenty of essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3s and Omega-6s, will help prevent the plaque build-up and stress on the heart.
Exercise will also help to open the arteries and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Herbal supplements may help as well.
They will not offer a cure-all solution but may improve the success of a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
One herb that has received a lot of attention in cardiac health research is hawthorn.
This herb may help protect the arteries and improve circulation around the heart.
It has also been shown to prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries, preventing, or delaying, the onset of atherosclerosis.
Bilberry is another useful herb that works to increase blood flow to the heart by dilating the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Evening primrose oil, willow, and kudzu work in similar fashion to open the coronary blood vessels or prevent clotting.
Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also very important to heart health.
It supports the production of energy in the heart and supports the health of the cardiac muscle.
Essential fatty acids also support the cardiac muscle and help lower cholesterol levels.
Ginger and Purslane are also strong antioxidants that support the health of the blood vessels and help protect the heart and vessels from the damage of free radicals.
Ginger has also been shown to help strengthen cardiac muscle.
Garlic and onion are also beneficial in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Vitamin E deficiencies have been noted in many cases of angina.
The antioxidant and blood vessel lubricating properties of Vitamin E will help patients with angina and contribute to overall health as well.
When symptoms of angina occur it is important to contact a physician.
Discuss any possible herbal therapies with the physician and make sure to check any possible drug interactions before adding new herb supplements or starting new prescription medications.
Herbs may offer an additional piece in an overall heart healthy approach.
It is important to remember that lowering blood pressure, losing weight if needed, making necessary diet changes and lowering stress are the essential ingredients in a healthy lifestyle.
Using herbs to support that lifestyle offers a safe way to enhance efforts to strengthen and protect that ever-important muscle, the heart.
This is most often caused by atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries.
The build up of plaque in the arteries causes less blood flow to the muscles of the heart.
Spasms of the coronary arteries can also lower the blood supply to the heart.
This lower amount may be enough while at rest but when the heart is under stress, such as during exercise, the need for oxygen increases.
The lower blood supply cannot keep up with this increased need and pain and pressure result.
The pain is usually felt as slight pressure just below the sternum to start and then may begin to increase and radiate down the arm and into the jaw.
It will usually subside with rest.
If the pain does not subside after rest or is stronger than the usual angina pain it is important to seek immediate medical attention, since you may be experiencing a heart attack.
Angina sufferers must address the underlying issues that lead to the condition.
A healthy diet of quality whole foods, low in saturated fat (and especially trans fats), and with plenty of essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3s and Omega-6s, will help prevent the plaque build-up and stress on the heart.
Exercise will also help to open the arteries and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Herbal supplements may help as well.
They will not offer a cure-all solution but may improve the success of a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
One herb that has received a lot of attention in cardiac health research is hawthorn.
This herb may help protect the arteries and improve circulation around the heart.
It has also been shown to prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries, preventing, or delaying, the onset of atherosclerosis.
Bilberry is another useful herb that works to increase blood flow to the heart by dilating the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Evening primrose oil, willow, and kudzu work in similar fashion to open the coronary blood vessels or prevent clotting.
Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also very important to heart health.
It supports the production of energy in the heart and supports the health of the cardiac muscle.
Essential fatty acids also support the cardiac muscle and help lower cholesterol levels.
Ginger and Purslane are also strong antioxidants that support the health of the blood vessels and help protect the heart and vessels from the damage of free radicals.
Ginger has also been shown to help strengthen cardiac muscle.
Garlic and onion are also beneficial in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Vitamin E deficiencies have been noted in many cases of angina.
The antioxidant and blood vessel lubricating properties of Vitamin E will help patients with angina and contribute to overall health as well.
When symptoms of angina occur it is important to contact a physician.
Discuss any possible herbal therapies with the physician and make sure to check any possible drug interactions before adding new herb supplements or starting new prescription medications.
Herbs may offer an additional piece in an overall heart healthy approach.
It is important to remember that lowering blood pressure, losing weight if needed, making necessary diet changes and lowering stress are the essential ingredients in a healthy lifestyle.
Using herbs to support that lifestyle offers a safe way to enhance efforts to strengthen and protect that ever-important muscle, the heart.
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