Angina
Synopsis of Angina
Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium), typically due to coronary artery disease (CAD). This reduction in blood flow deprives the heart of oxygen, especially during exertion or stress. Angina is a symptom, not a disease, signaling underlying heart problems that may increase the risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction).
There are several types of angina:
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Stable angina: Predictable, triggered by physical activity or stress, relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
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Unstable angina: Unpredictable, occurs at rest, more severe, and requires immediate medical attention (precursor to heart attack).
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Variant angina (Prinzmetal’s angina): Caused by coronary artery spasms, occurs at rest, often cyclic and at night.
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Microvascular angina: Affects smaller coronary arteries and may cause chest pain without significant arterial blockages.
Types:
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Stable angina: Consistent pattern of chest pain with exertion or stress.
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Unstable angina: Unexpected chest pain at rest or worsening pattern; medical emergency.
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Variant angina (Prinzmetal’s): Chest pain from coronary artery spasms, often at night.
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Microvascular angina: Pain caused by dysfunction in tiny coronary vessels without blockages.
Common Causes:
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Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowed or blocked arteries from plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).
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Coronary artery spasms: Sudden tightening of muscles within artery walls (variant angina).
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Anemia: Low oxygen-carrying capacity reduces heart oxygenation.
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Hypertension: Increases demand on the heart.
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Heart valve disease: Increases workload on the heart.
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Emotional stress or physical exertion: Increases oxygen demand.
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Cold exposure: Narrows blood vessels, triggering angina in some individuals.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Complete blockage of coronary artery blood flow.
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Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms due to reduced oxygen supply.
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Heart failure: Weakened heart muscle from chronic oxygen deprivation.
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Sudden cardiac death: In extreme cases of unstable angina or severe coronary artery disease.
When to See a Doctor:
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New or worsening chest pain, especially at rest
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Chest pain lasting longer than a few minutes or not relieved by rest or medication
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Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm
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Associated symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea
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Known history of coronary artery disease with increased symptoms
Natural remedies for Angina
Mediterranean Diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and nuts; supports cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation. Focus on omega-3 sources, antioxidants, and fiber.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function, and lower triglycerides. Include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) or fish oil supplements.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Supports mitochondrial energy production and improves heart muscle function. May reduce angina symptoms in some studies.
Garlic: Supports vascular health, reduces cholesterol, and helps regulate blood pressure. Consume raw, cooked, or as a supplement.
Magnesium: Relaxes blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and supports normal heart rhythm. Include magnesium-rich foods or supplements.
Pomegranate Juice (in moderation): Rich in antioxidants, supports arterial health and reduces plaque buildup. Consume a small glass daily.
Green Tea (Catechins): Supports heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol and improving blood vessel function. Drink 1–2 cups daily.
Stress Reduction (Yoga, Meditation, Deep Breathing): Lowers cortisol, improves heart rate variability, and reduces angina triggers. Practice regularly to reduce emotional stress.
Physical Activity (Moderate, Under Supervision): Improves circulation and heart efficiency; walking, cycling, or swimming recommended. Consult a doctor before starting.
Stop Smoking: Essential for reducing risk of coronary artery disease and angina. Support with counseling, supplements, or medications.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Angina
Acetyl L-carnitine
alpha lipoic acid
arjun tree
ashwagandha
beet
berberine
bergamot
black garlic
caffeine
citrus bioflavonoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
curcumin
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
forskohlii root
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
garlic bulb
green tea
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
kudzu
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-taurine
L-theanine
magnesium
marine lipid
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
nattokinase
omega-3 fatty acids
policosanol
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
pomegranate
potassium
red yeast rice
resveratrol
rhodiola
rutin
schizonepeta
selenium
tomato
ubiquinol
vitamin C
vitamin E
watermelon
mulberry
zinc
jiaogulan
capsicum
inula racemosa
Szechuan lovage
polyphenols
eucalyptus
2-(nitrooxy)ethyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate
Alcohol
Avens
Arginine
Arjuna
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Adenosine monophosphate
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Amylase
Allicin
Arginine aspartate
Adenosine diphosphate
Arginine orotate
Aconite
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Astragaloside IV
Adrenergic amines
Allium (unspecified)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Anthocyanin
Arginine-L-malate
Amino Acid (unspecified)
anthocyanin
anthocyanidins
Alkaloids
Adenosine
Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate
Acetyl-l-glutathione
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Arjunic Acid
Anthocyanins
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate
Alliin
Anise
Ash (unspecified)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Arginine
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bioflavonoid
Bioflavonoids (mixed)
Black garlic
Black galingale
Barleria
Bioflavonoids (mixture)
Balsam (unspecified)
Bur-Reed
Bioflavonoids
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
Black Hellebore
Beet nitrate
Borneol
Blend (combination)
Creatinol-O-Phosphate
Carnitine Silicate
Creatine nitrate
Cordyceps
Coleus
Citrulline
Catecholamine
Cardamom
Cordyceps
California Goldenrod
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Coenzyme Q-10
Cayenne
Citrulline nitrate
Citrulline silicate
Coenzyme Q10
Caffeine
Carnitine
Coenzyme Q-10
Capsaisin
Carnitine Orotate
CoQ10
Carbon dioxide
Danshen
Dioscorea collettii var. hypoglauca
Digitalis
epicatechin
English Oak
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
epicatechin
Elastase
Flavanol (mixture)
Foxglove
flavan-3-ols
Flavonoid
Flavonoids
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Flavonoid (mixture)
Flavonoid glycosides
Fatty acids
Flavonoid (unspecified)
Fatty Acid (unspecified)
Flavanones
Flavonoid (mixture)
Fish
Flavanones (various)
Fish Oil
Flavans
Fish Oil
Flavonones
Flavanols
flavanols (various)
Fish (including shell)
Flavanoid (mixture)
Glucoside
Glycoside
Glycine propionyl-l-carnitine
Glechoma hederacea
Hu Zhang
Hedychium Spicatum
Hawthorn
Hesperetin
Hesperidin
Hesperitin
Heart
Huang Hua
Hesperidin
Inositol nicotinate
Inositol nicotinate
Jiaogulan
Khella
L-Carnitine
Ligusticum (Unspecified)
L-Citrulline
Ligustilides
L-Arginine
Lycopene
L-Carnitine
Ligustrazin
Lingustilides
Lily of the Valley
Ligusticum
Mentha haplocalyx
Monounsaturated fatty acid (unspecified)
Monacolin
Missouri Snakeroot
Mallow
Marshmallow
Methylxanthine
Northern Prickly Ash
Naringenin
Nattokinase
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Nitrate
Osha
Oxygen
Omega-3
Omega-3
Puerarin
Proanthocyanidins (unspecified)
Polyphenols
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Potassium Nitrate
Panax Pseudoginseng
Proanthocyanidins (unspecified)
Phenolics (unspecified)
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Platycodon
Phthalide
Phthalides
Policosanol
Polyphenols (unspecified)
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Panax Notoginseng
polyphenols (various)
Poly-thyronine
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Pycnogenol
Phenolic (unspecified)
Prickly Ash Bark
phenolics (various)
Polyphenols (mixed)
Prolase
Rutaecarpine
Rutaecarpine
Red Yeast
Resin
Siler
Southern Prickly Ash
Sichuan Lovage
Sichuan Pagoda Tree
Sichuan Fritillary
Speedwell
Safflower
Sagebrush (unspecified)
Salvianolic acid
Stellaria dichotoma
Sodium Nitrate
Sodium nitrate
Theobromine
Trichosanthis
Triterpenes
Theophylline
Tanshinone
Taurine
Tomato
Thymus
Trailing Arbutus
Taurine
Unsaturated fatty acid
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin B1
Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vitamin C
Wine
Xantinol Nicotinate
Yerba buena
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