Home Remedies for Heart Pain, Chest Pain Or Angina

Home Remedies for Heart Pain, Chest Pain, Or Angina

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A lady feeling heart pain keeping her hands on her heart
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when
the heart muscle is not getting enough blood
     Image: Freepik

Overview

What Is Angina?

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. It is usually caused by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart.

Angina can feel like a squeezing or pressure in the chest, and may also cause pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. 

There are two main types of angina: 

Stable angina, which occurs during physical activity or emotional stress, and 

Unstable angina, which occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and can be a sign of a heart attack.


What Are The Causes Of Heart Pain, Chest Pain, Or Angina?

Angina is caused by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which reduce blood flow to the heart muscle.

The main cause of narrowed coronary arteries is the buildup of plaque, a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the blood. 

This buildup, called atherosclerosis, can happen over time.

The Risk factors that can contribute to the
development of plaque:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Smoking

Diabetes

Family history of heart disease

Age (risk increases as you get older)

Lack of physical activity

Obesity

Stress


The Other conditions that can cause angina:

Coronary artery spasms

Anemia

Hyperthyroidism

Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)

Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)

It's also possible for people to have angina caused by variant angina, which is a less common form of angina caused by coronary artery spasms. 

This often occurs at rest and can be triggered by cold weather, stress, or smoking.

It's important to note that not all chest pain is caused by angina, and other conditions such as indigestion, gas, muscle strain, or lung problems can also cause chest pain.

Home Remedies for Heart Pain, Chest Pain, Or Angina



Please see the above video for reference.

  • The symptoms of angina are a feeling of heaviness, burning or tightness in the chest or sweating, dizziness, and pain in the back, neck, shoulders, or upper central abdomen.
  • The causes are reduced blood flow to the heart due to plaque in heart arteries caused by high B.P., cholesterol, diabetes, or cigarette smoking.
  • For remedy boil one tablespoon of grated Ginger in a cup of water and drink it warm.
  • Or boil ten smashed Garlic Cloves in one cup of milk and 2 cups of water.
  • When it reduces to one cup, drink it. Repeat this once daily.
  •  Or mix half a teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper in a glass of milk or juice and drink.
  • Do not take Angina lightly as it can be a warning sign of a future heart attack. Consult a good physician.

What To Do If Someone Experiences Sudden chest Pain?

If you suspect someone is experiencing angina or sudden chest pain, it is important to take the following steps as first aid:

1. Call emergency services immediately.

2. Help the person sit down in a comfortable position and try to keep him calm.

3. If the person is experiencing chest pain, ask if he has any nitroglycerin tablets (a medication used to treat angina) and help him take one as directed.

4. Give the person oxygen, if it's available.

5. Monitor the person's vital signs such as breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness, and if there's any change, report it to the emergency services or the person's doctor.

6. Keep the person warm with a blanket or jacket, if he is cold.

7. It's important to note that chest pain can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, some of which are life-threatening, and emergency medical treatment is essential. Therefore, it's important not to delay calling emergency services.

8. Also, if you have a history of angina or heart disease, it is important to carry nitroglycerin tablets with you and take them as directed by your doctor in case of chest pain.

Acupressure Therapy for Angina:



Please see the above video for reference.
  • Press each of the acupressure points given in the above video in a pumping manner for 1 minute using a finger or a jimmy.
  • First point is LI-4. This point lies between the thumb and index finger.
  • Second point is H-7. This point lies on the crossing of the wrist crease and the line passing through the skin between the ring and little fingers to the forearm.
  • The third point is H-6. This point lies one finger width above the wrist crease on the line through the skin between the ring and little fingers to the forearm.
  • The fourth point is P-6. This point is located at the center of the forearm, 3 finger widths above the wrist crease.
  • The fifth point is CV-17. It is located on the chest bone midway between the two nipples.
  • The sixth point is BIPAY. It lies 1 thumb width above the tip of the fold of the armpit.

There are several other home and natural remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of angina:

Deep breathing exercises and meditation: 

This can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve blood flow to the heart.

Eating a healthy diet: 

Take a diet that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Maintaining a healthy weight: 

Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling, which can help improve cardiovascular health.

Quitting smoking: 

Smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of angina.

Taking omega-3 fatty acids supplements: 

These can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.


Trying herbs: 


Consume herbs such as garlic, ginger, and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve cardiovascular health.

Other potential home and natural remedies for angina include:

Limiting or avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants: 

They can increase heart rate and blood pressure and exacerbate angina symptoms.

Practicing yoga: 


Yoga and other forms of relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and improve blood flow to the heart.

Consuming foods high in magnesium and potassium: 

Foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and bananas can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Drinking enough water to stay hydrated: 

Dehydration can increase heart rate and blood pressure and exacerbate angina symptoms.

Applying heat or cold compresses to the chest:

Heat and Cold compresses can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with angina.

Using aromatherapy: 

Aromatherapy with essential oils such as lavender may help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve cardiovascular health.

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It's important to note that while these remedies may provide some relief from angina symptoms, they should not be used in place of medical treatment or as a substitute for lifestyle changes recommended by a doctor. 

It is also important to know the warning signs of angina, such as chest pain, tightness or pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea, and seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the triggers of angina, such as physical exertion, emotional stress, cold weather, and heavy meals, and avoid these triggers as much as possible.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about angina and chest pain:

Q: What is angina?

A: Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is a symptom of underlying heart disease, such as coronary artery disease.

Q: What are the symptoms of angina?

A: The most common symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea.

Q: What causes angina?

A: Angina is caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels that reduce blood flow to the heart. This can be caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis) or spasms of the coronary arteries.

Q: How is angina diagnosed?

A: Angina is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, and coronary angiography.

Q: How is angina treated?

A: Treatment for angina typically includes medications such as nitrates, beta-blockers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, as well as lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. 

In some cases, procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary. 

But many times some greedy doctors misguide patients just for making money. You have to be aware of such doctors and always take second or third opinions in case of doubt. 

Q: Can angina be prevented?

A: Angina can be prevented by managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes, and by making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
 
Q: What are the different types of angina?

A: There are several different types of angina, including:

Stable angina: 


This is the most common type of angina, and it occurs when the heart's demand for oxygen increases, such as during physical activity or stress. 

The symptoms of stable angina are usually predictable and can be relieved with rest or medication.

Unstable angina: 


This is a more serious type of angina that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. 

Unstable angina can be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.


Variant angina (Prinzmetal's angina): 


This is a rare type of angina that occurs when the coronary arteries go into spasm, reducing blood flow to the heart. Variant angina can occur at rest and is often more severe than stable angina.

Microvascular angina: 

This is a type of angina caused by dysfunction in small blood vessels that supply the heart, rather than blockages in the coronary arteries. 

Microvascular angina can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms may be similar to other types of angina or even fibromyalgia.

Q: Can chest pain be caused by something other than angina?

A: Yes, chest pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including acid reflux, pneumonia, lung cancer, and even anxiety or panic attacks. 

Q: Is angina only experienced by older adults?

A: While angina is more common in older adults, it can occur at any age. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes can affect people of all ages, and these factors can increase the risk of developing angina or other heart problems.

Q: Can angina be cured?

A: While there is no cure for angina, it can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. 

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