Angina
Description
The classic pressure-like pain in the chest following exertion, as if being squeezed by a giant hand. Pain may radiate to the jaw, shoulderblade and arm on the left side. It will usually subside in a few minutes. It may also be brought on following a heavy meal.
It is accompanied by stressful lifestyles and high blood pressure.
Classification is often as “stable”, or “unstable”, so that the condition is dormant, with onset at predictable levels of exertion (e.g. halfway up the stairs) or unpredictable, respectively.
Causes
There is insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of atherosclerosis. One variant, Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by a spasm of the coronary artery.
Signs & Symptoms
Chest pain varies from mild to severe and may be due to a myocardial infarction (heart attack). An ECG is desirable to evaluate the situation. Nitrate drugs (classically, nitroglycerine) ease the pain during an attack.
Lifestyle and dietary changes are required, together with a controlled exercise program, although invasive interventions including heart bypass surgery may be recommended.
Elevated indices of lipid peroxidation are consistent with the recommendation of antioxidant supplementation.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Cardiovascular Support
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General Supplements
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See Under:
Atherosclerosis
Coronary Heart Disease
Heart Disorders
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
A low fat diet and nutritional supplements to promote fatty acid metabolism form the mainstay of the diet program. Magnesium is a key mineral for the proper functioning of the heart muscle.
Carnitine improves fatty acid utilisation, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduces the production of toxic fatty acid metabolites and increases energy production in the mitochondria (energy producing units within the cells of the heart).
Energy production is also improved by supplementing with pantethine (which works together with coenzyme A) and Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinon).
Typical antioxidant recommendations usually comprise: vitamins A (as beta carotene), C and E.
Homeopathic Remedy
Crataegus Hawthorn tinct.
Kali carbonicum
Spigelia
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Coleus forskohlii
Ginkgo biloba
Hawthorn
Khella (Ami visnaga)
Motherwort
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Coleus forskohlii and Ginkgo biloba may be helpful, although the primary therapy is Hawthorn.
Hawthorn berries have been popular in Europe and phytopharmacy is enjoying renewed popularity in the U.S.
Hawthorn may be combined with khellin (from Ami visnaga or Khella) which was an early arrival from Ayurvedic medicine (1940s).
References:
Anrep, GV et al., Coronary vasodilator action of khellin. Am Heart J. 1949, 37:531-542.
Blesken, R: Crataegus in cardiology. Forschr. Med. 1992, 110:290-292.
Conn, JJ et al., Treatment of angina pectoris with khellin. Ann. Intern. Med. 1952, 36:1,173-1,178.
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Osher, HL et al., Khellin in the treatment of angina pectoris. NEJM. 1951, 244:315-321.
Schlepper, M et al., Crdiovascular effects of forskolin and phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors. Basic Res. Caridol. 1989, 84(Supp.1) 197-212.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Aniseed Essence,
Caraway Essence,
Orange Blossom Essence.
Related Health Conditions
Atherosclerosis
Coronary Heart Disease
Diabetes Mellitus
References
De Lorgeril M et al., Effect of a mediterranean type of diet on the rate of cardiovascular complications in patients with coronary artery disease. Insights into the cardioprotective effect of certain nutriments [see comments]. J Am Coll Cardiol, 1996 Nov 1, 28:5, 1103-8.
Drown-DJ: Postprandial angina pectoris: an indication of the severity of coronary disease. Prog-Cardiovasc-Nurs. 1994 Summer; 9(3): 41.
Duthie-GG et al: Blood antioxidants and indices of lipid peroxidation in subjects with angina pectoris. Nutrition. 1994 Jul-Aug; 10(4): 313-6.
Gey-KF et al: Increased risk of cardiovascular disease at suboptimal plasma concentrations of essential antioxidants: an epidemiological update with special attention to carotene and vitamin C. Am-J-Clin-Nutr. 1993 May; 57(5 Suppl): 787S-797S.
Hankey CR et al., Plasma lipids, dehydroepiandosterone sulphate and insulin concentrations in elderly overweight angina patients, and effect of weight loss. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord, 1997 Jan, 21:1, 72-7.
Harano-Y. et al: Quantitative and qualitative derangement of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins as a risk factor for diabetic macroangiopathy in nonobese NIDDM subjects. Diabetes. 1996 Jul; 45 Suppl 3: S31-4
Kim SY et al., Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins in relation to coronary artery disease: a case control study of Koreans. Biomed Environ Sci, 1996 Sep, 9:2-3, 229-35.
Murray, M.T. & Pizzorno, J.E.: An Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Pbng, Rocklin, CA.
Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Keats Pbng. New Canaan, CT.
Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Third Line Press, Tarzana, CA. Second Edition.
Yokota C et al., Lipoprotein analyses in patients with stable angina and acute coronary syndrome. Int J Cardiol, 1996 Dec 6, 57:2, 161-6.
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