ALTERNATIVE THERAPY SERIES - 9. ANGINA

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

ANGINA
SYMPTOM
• Pain that is crushing, constricting, strangling, suffocating, sharp or burning. It is normally felt in the chest but may also occur in peripheral areas. Such as the jaw or abdomen. Location and specific sensations vary from person to person but are usually consistent from one attack to the next.
• Pain that occurs with exertion and recedes with rest.
• Weakness, sweating, shortness of breath, anxiety , palpitations, nausea, or lightheadedness- symptoms that may or may not be associated with Angina attack

WHAT IS ANGINA

Angina is the heart’s way of saying that it is not getting enough oxygen. This can be because coronary arteries- those that supply blood to the heart are blocked or because the heart is being overworked and therefore and therefore needs more oxygen than usual.
The Medical term Angina pectoris literally means “ a choking sensation of the chest”. Usually, Angina is a crushing or constricting pain that starts in the center of the chest, deep behind the breastbone, and may radiate to other parts of the body. Sufferers have said it feels like “an elephant sitting on my chest” or a vise squeezing my chest.
Some people feel the pain of Angina only in peripheral locations such as the jaw, abdomen, or arm. The pain can also be confused with indigestion because the tight, burning sensations are similar. Angina can also be misinterpreted as a heart attack. The pain is similar but does not last as long-usually no more than five minutes.
Of the many types of Angina, Stable or Classical, Angina – triggered by exertion and receding with rest- is the most common. If you have Stable Angina, you should be able to predict what sort of activity will bring on an attack. Another type, Unstable Angina, is a more acute condition; it occurs unpredictably, even during rest, and should be interpreted as warning sign of more serious trouble. A rare type called Variant Angina, which involves coronary artery spasms, is seen most often in women.
Angina affects some three million Americans, It is more prevalent in people over 30 and tends to strike men more than women; over age 65, and however, more women are affected than men. Alone Angina causes no permanent damage because the heart is only temporarily deprived of oxygen. But if your Angina worsens, you should know that you are at a greater risk of Heart Attack. Be especially concerned if you develop Unstable Angina, and consult a doctor.

CAUSES

The main underlying cause of Angina is Coronary artery disease, which stems from Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries- when the vessels become clogged or narrowed by fatty calcified deposits called plaques. Angina can also result from other diseases that tax the heart unduly, such as Anemia , arotic valve diseases and hyperthyroidism.

Stable Angina : is sometimes called “ exertional” Angina because it is triggered by activities that make the heart beat rapidly. Indeed, physical activity is the most frequent cause of attacks. Depending on the person, exertion that brings on an attack can mean anything from simple walking to heavy lifting or sexual activity. A large meal can also cause an attack, because digestion requires the heart to work. Other frequently cited triggers are emotional excitement and exposure to the cold, both of which stimulate the heart. In addition, more than 20 drugs have been known to spark Angina, from over-the-counter decongestant and various prescription medications to illegal substances such as cocaine.
Certain risks factors for heart disease and coronary artery disease make the development of Angina more likely. These include high blood pressure, stress, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. All of these risk factor are also linked to Atherosclerosis.

TREATMENT

Drugs may alleviate Angina symptoms, but fundamental changes in diet and lifestyle are an important part of any Angina treatment program. Before taking any drug, review its properties and your medical history carefully with your doctor. Many drugs should not be mixed other drugs or natural medicine, and you also need to be sure your doctor knows of any preexisting medical conditions you may have.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

If you have Angina, your doctor will undoubtedly mention the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes proper diet, exercise, weight management and no smoking.
Most Angina patient also take prescribed medication. There are three main classes of Anginal Drugs.

• Niterates
• Beta-Adrenergic blockers
• Calcium channel Blockers

Niterates which dilate coronary arteries and allow for greater blood flow are a tired-and-true inexpensive treatment. Nitroglycerin is by far the most widely used niterate; it can be taken as often as needed and may provide relief within a few minutes. However, it also causes headaches in about half of all users. Beta-adrenergic blockers, which are used to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce cardiac oxygen consumption, are effective in combination with niterate or alone. Calcium channel blockers quell coronary artery spasms and some also slow heart rate. Patients with severe unstable angina are often treated initially with the anti-coagulant Heparin in conjunction with Aspirin , niterates, and beta blockers.

If drug therapy does not work or does not suffice, coronary artery angioplasty or bypass surgery may be considered. Angioplasty or bypass surgery may be considered. Angioplasty- -a Catheter techniques widens blocked arteries- has become relatively routine procedure; bypass surgery, which diverts blood flow around clogged arteries, is reserved for every severe causes.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Always consult a doctor if you think you have angina. The alternative therapies below may help relieve symptoms or prevent attacks, but they should be considered as complement to – rather than substitute for- conventional medical care.

ACCUPRESSURE

Applying pressure for at least one minute to Point B-15,P-5, P6 and Sp 6 may relieve angina symptoms.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

An Ayurvedic mixture of herbs and minerals known as Abana has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of Angina attacks; consult a practitioner for specific remedy.

CHELATION THERAPY

Although controversial, Chelation therapy, has been sought by thousands of Angina sufferers. Its advocates claim that it is safer and cheaper than many conventional drug or surgical treatments- and just as effective. Critics insist that it undergo more rigorous scientific scrutiny before joining the ranks of standard treatment for Angina and Atherosclerosis.

HERBAL THERAPY

Hawthorn ( Crataegus Laevigata) is an excellent long-term tonic for Angina because it simultaneously dilates coronary arteries and calms the heart. It is often an ingredient in herbal treatments for Angina that a naturopath might prescribe.

HOMEOPATHY

For immediate relief during an acute attack, Cactus Grandiflours (30 C) is recommended. Cactus may bring relief if, during an attack, your chest feels like it is bound with an iron band.Among the long-term remedies that might be prescribed by a homeopathic physician are Nux Vomica and Arsenicum Album.

LIFESTYLE

Certain air pollutants particularly Carbon monoxide are known to aggravate and intensify Angina. To avoid Carbon monoxide, steer clear of Tobacco smoke and stay inside on heavy smog days.

Avoid Alcohol or drink only sparingly while on Angina medication because of possible adverse reactions.
Gentle aerobic exercise is very beneficial for Angina patients. Build stamina gradually and exercise inside during cold weather. Be sure to consult your doctor before embarking on an exercise program.

MIND/BODY MEDICINE

If you find you have trouble in controlling your emotions or stress levels, you must learn to relax. Many types of relaxation techniques- from Biofeedback to Yoga- could help tremendously. Choose a method you are comfortable with, and stick with it; the effectiveness of relaxation techniques varies from person to person and improves with time.

NUTRITION AND DIET

The principal goals of nutritional therapy for Angina are to improve blood flow to the heart and the energy metabolism of the heart so that it requires less oxygen. The main way to improve blood flow is to control Atherosclerosis and consuming less saturated fat and cholesterol is a critical first sep. To improve energy metabolism, be sure to get enough Magnesium in your diet as part of a multivitamin supplement. You might also ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate supplement of L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10, nutrient found in the body that improve energy metabolism and are often depleted in heart disease patients.

STRESS TEST

Exercising with Angina is a tricky business. If done properly, it can help prevent angina from worsening; if done too ambitiously, it will aggravate the condition and could even be life-threatening. If you want to start an exercise program, you should first undergo a stress test- also called an “exercise Tolerance. Or “Treadmill Test”.

AT HOME REMEDIES

• If you have frequent Angina attacks at night. Try tilting the head of your bed up three or four inches. This lessons the work load on the heart from venous blood return.
• If you sense onset of an attack while lying down, sit up and put your feet on the floor. If pain persists take prescribed medications.
• An Aspirin a day , with doctor’s permission, can reduce the risk of heart attack and unstable Angina.
• Spend at at least an hour digesting heavy meals; exertion after eating is known to cause attacks
• Stop smoking as it greatly aggravate Angina
• Do not take birth-control pills if you have Angina, Estrogens are associated with increased risk of blood clots.

PREVENTION

• Adopt a low-fat, low cholesterol diet that will help keep arteries free of fatty deposits.
• Exercise! People who exercise are less likely to be overweight and less likely to develop Atherosclerosis.
• Learn to control your emotions, rather than letting them control you. People who internalize stress are more likely to develop angina; many angina sufferers cite emotional outburst as a precipitator of attacks
• If you smoke ,QUIT