"Angina - Supplements That May Help Ease the Pain"

In itself, it is not actually a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying heart problem such as coronary artery disease. It is estimated that almost 7 million people in the United States have this condition.

On this page, I will discuss some of the supplements you might consider in addition to any medications your doctor may prescribe.

The stable form of angina is the most common type. It typically occurs when your heart is working harder than it normally does.

It follows a regular pattern, meaning you can usually predict what types of activities will cause you pain.

Typically, the pain will stop after a few minutes of rest and/or by taking your medication.

With the unstable form, it is unpredictable, can occur at any time with or without any physical exertion, and isn't relieved by resting or medication.

It is a very serious condition, one needing immediate medical attention. Your body is telling you that a heart attack may happen soon.

The third type of angina, the varient type, is known as Prinzmetal angina, and usually occurs when at rest, typically during the early morning hours.

Consequently, it may be more painful than the typical form of this condition.

As the plaque accumulates, a narrowing of the arterial walls occurs, a process known as arteriosclerosis. When the arterial walls become occluded, the heart becomes starved for oxygen, resulting in pain when the physical demands placed upon are increased. Consequently, attacks are frequently triggered by sudden exertion, such as climbing a flight of stairs.

When the coronary arteries become narrowed as much as 50 to 70%, it becomes extremely difficult to meet the oxygen demands of the heart, and pain is felt. Approximately 2/3 of people with this condition have severe blockage of at least one major blood vessel in the heart.

Sometimes, It is caused when a spasm of the coronary arteries occurs. Your coronary arteries are surrounded by muscle fibers that are constantly contracting. If there is a rapid contraction of these fibers, a spasm or narrowing may occur, which reduces blood flow to the heart.

• Pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, teeth, arms or back
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Cramping

Chest pain may not always indicate that you have angina.

Your physician will first perform a complete physical examination to see if there are any other possible causes including a broken rib or arthritis of the breastbone.

To a certain extent, his diagnosis is partly based on the patient's symptoms.

If an individual experiences pain during an examination, the physician may place a dose of nitroglycerin under the person's tongue.

This will dilate the blood vessels. If relief is quickly felt, this will be a good indication that coronary artery disease is present.

Electrocardiogram - this test will show if your arteries or heart have been damaged

Stress test - this is usually done on a treadmill, to see how your heart responds to exercise

Cardiac catheterization - with this test, a tube is inserted into the arteries, dye is then injected into the arm and then guided into the heart. Next, x-rays are taken which will show if any of the coronary arteries are blocked.

Exercise tolerance testing - with this test a small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a vein, sophisticated equipment then displays the location and extent of the ischemia

Arginine - The arterial walls relax when there is nitric oxide present. The amino acid arginine stimulates production of nitric oxide.

Carnitine - Carnitine is another amino acid that helps the heart muscle to operate more efficiently.

Coenzyme Q10 - Coenzyme Q10 also helps the heart muscle to work more efficiently.

Danshen - Danshen is frequently used in China as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases. It functions to dilate the coronary arteries while increasing coronary blood flow.

Ginkgo - Ginkgo will help prevent blood platelets from sticking together. Platelets are blood components in blood that promote clotting, and they are usually found in abundance in an artery that has been clogged with cholesterol.

Hawthorn - Hawthorn will help the heart utilize oxygen better, and will provide an energy boost.

Kudzu - Kudzu may improve the signs and symptoms of unstable angina.

Magnesium - Magnesium is good for reducing the intensity of coronary spasms.

Omega 3 fatty acids - there is substantial research indicating that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. They may also decrease blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Vitamin C - Cellular damage can be prevented or avoided by taking vitamin C. Also, damaged arteries, arteries that are injured by plaque accumulation, can be repaired by vitamin C supplementation.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E also helps prevent cellular damage and repair damage arteries.

These supplements may be used in combination with any prescription medications your doctor prescribes. However, before taking any of the abovementioned herbs and supplements, make sure you confer with your physician so that you can find which ones are best for your particular set of circumstances.

If you are experiencing pressure, squeezing or pain in the chest, your heart muscle may be struggling to breathe. Oxygen is life, and the heart is no exception. It needs oxygen-rich blood in order to continue to pump blood to the rest of your body.

In conclusion, if you choose to try some of the supplements mentioned above, remember to follow your doctor's instructions before starting them. Do not stop taking any medications you are currently taking, or you may be setting the stage for a full-blown heart attack.