Living With Angina
July 3, 2009
Chest pain or discomfort is known as angina. It is not a disease, but it is a symptom of a disease. People often confuse angina pain with pain linked to indigestion.
Angina is characterized by pressure, tightness, heaviness or squeezing sensation in the chest. The pain may extend to the jaw, neck, shoulder, hands and back.
Angina causes
Angina results from reduction in blood flow in certain areas of the heart. Angina is a symptom of an underlying coronary artery disease. Cholesterol, which deposits on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, harden over time forming plagues. These plagues make the arteries narrow, consequently obstructing blood flow to the heart muscles. High blood pressure, diabetes, high level of blood cholesterol and smoking are some of the factors responsible for coronary heart diseases, which cause angina.
Several factors may trigger angina in people suffering from coronary artery disease. Increased physical activities, extreme temperature, stress and heavy meals can cause angina. These factors make our heart work faster and harder. The demand for oxygen increases. However, the narrow blood vessels could not supply adequate oxygenated blood to the heart muscles, causing angina.
Diet
A healthy heart will keep angina at bay. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat helps to keep your heart healthy. Instead of refined carbohydrates, consume whole grain products. Whole grain products, besides supplying the necessary nutrients, are a rich source of dietary fibers. Dietary fibers help to lower blood cholesterol.
Lifestyle
If you are prone to angina, avoid physical exertions that trigger angina. Avoid stress to prevent angina. Do not overeat. Avoid rich foods. To prevent angina, take rest after physical activities. Obesity can increase discomfort from angina. Losing weight is necessary to prevent angina.
Angina remedy
Certain herbs are useful in treating angina. If you frequently suffer from angina, drink a cup of parsley tea everyday. You can prepare parsley tea by soaking a handful of fresh or dry parsley leaves in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. Basil is also useful in reducing angina. Consume a teaspoon of juice, extracted from fresh basil leaves, everyday to reduce occurrence of angina pain. Taking a teaspoon of onion juice can also cure angina.
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