Angina Treatment
Angina is tightness and pain in the chest that occurs when the coronary arteries could not supply adequate oxygenated blood to a portion of the heart. This is a symptom of ischemic heart disease, which occurs when cholesterol deposits clog the coronary blood vessel. Angina is divided into two groups – stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina is characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath and chest tightness from increased physical exertions that require the heart to pump faster, such as during climbing stairs, exercising or walking fast. In unstable angina, the symptoms of angina occur even while resting or doing less intense physical activities.
Angina treatment
Angina is treated with medication, surgery and lifestyle modification.
Weight loss
Excess body weight could aggravate angina in overweight and obese people. Chest pain and discomfort could be reduced by losing excess body weight. By cutting down portion sizes, avoiding saturated fats and including whole grain products, fruits and vegetables in the meal, you could attain healthy weight. To reduce the severity of the angina symptoms, you should avoid large meals. Divide the large meals into several small meals. Moderate exercises, such as brisk walking is beneficial for the heart. Although low impact aerobic exercises are beneficial for people suffering from angina, isometric exercises such as push-ups and weight lifting should be avoided.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in improving the condition of your heart. While saturated fats are bad for the heart, unsaturated fats are good for the heart. Mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids could lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, preventing plague formation in the coronary blood vessels. To prevent angina, you should include one teaspoon of a healthy oil such as olive, sunflower, sufflower and flaxseed oil in your meal. Omega-3 rich fish oil could improve the condition of your heart. Include plenty of antioxidant rich fresh fruits and vegetables in your meal. Vitamin E supplements could improve the health of the heart muscles and reduce angina. Taking a teaspoon of honey everyday could help to reduce angina.
Quit smoking
Smoking could worsen the condition of your heart and aggravate angina. People prone to angina should quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
