| WHAT IS ANGINA PECTORIS TREATMENT | SYMPTOMS OF ANGINA PECTORIS | HERBAL REMEDIES
Angina, or to give it its full name, angina pectoris (chest pain), is a condition created by kapha dosha. Accumulated kapha blocks the flow of prana vata into the coronary artery, so that the heart muscles do not receive sufficient blood and oxygen supply. It is a kind of local anemia, resulting in pain that can be severe and frightening. Typically, the pain starts from the breastbone in the center of the chest, goes to the left shoulder, and passes along the inner side of the upper arm to the tip of the little finger. Angina Pectoris is the term used to describe the temporary chest dis-comfort and it occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood. The heart gets its blood supply from the coronary arteries and when the heart does not get enough blood, it cannot function normally at its full capacity. The discomfort of angina is temporary and lasts for a few seconds or minutes only. A person with angina feels temporary pain and pressure in the center of the chest or in the neck, shoulder, jaw & upper arm. It is reported to be due to physical exertion, strong emotions and increase in pressure on the heart. Angina pectoris is not a heart attack, but angina means that a person has increased risk of having a heart attack. In heart attack, the blood supply to part of the heart is cut off, leading to infarction. Indeed, angina pectoris is a warning sign and the patient should seek timely medical help to avoid a heart attack. Also, time is very important in angina. The longer the patient experiences chest pain from angina, the more are the chances of heart attack. The risk factors of angina pectoris include smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hyper-cholesterolemia, diabetes etc. Men are reported to be at higher risk than women.Common symptoms of angina pectoris include sweating, weakness, faintness, numbness, nausea etc. The pain in angina pectoris is caused in the heart due to insufficient oxygen in the blood flowing to the muscles. A sense of pressure & fullness in the chest, followed by extreme anxiety may be also felt. There is giddiness, profuse sweating, difficulty in breathing normally and rapid increase or irregular heart beats. The symptoms felt during an attack of angina pectoris and cardiac arrest are similar, but these symptoms go away within 15-20 minutes and after getting sufficient rest. The physician conducts diagnosis of angina pectoris in the patient, with the aid of an ECG. The heart rate is measured during a period of rest and during an exerting physical activity. Treatment of angina pectoris is very important and the patients are advised to cut smoking, reduce cholesterol foods, increase physical activity and control their weight. In most cases, drugs are recommended for the treatment of angina pectoris before surgery of the heart. The major drugs recommended include nitrates, beta-blocking drugs and calcium-channel blocking drugs. But these chemotherapeutic drugs often lead to adverse side-effects. Herbal remedies, containing medicinal herbs are well-known to support function in promoting circulatory health and functioning of the cardiovascular system. It helps to maintain normal blood pressure range and well-support the health of the heart, veins and arteries. The natural herbs act on the circulatory system. When there is the feeling of dis-comfort in the chest accompanied by a continued pain, the herbal medicines can be used for instant relief from angina pectoris. Some herbs may be helpful for angina pain, but they should never be used in place of conventional medical treatment. Herbal treatments for angina pectoris focus on preventing further attacks. Once the patient is feeling an episode of angina pectoris, the natural herbs can provide relief to the patient; such as lowering blood cholesterol, preventing and healing injuries to the endothelium of arteries and preventing the clumping of blood platelets. |
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): The bark of this tree is used in Ayurveda for prevention and treatment of many heart problems like angina, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol and blood pressure. Extensive research has lead to discovery of cardiac glycosides in the bark and naturally occurring Co-Enzyme Q 10, which is really important nutraceutical for proper functioning of heart muscle. It gives strength to ailing heart and controls the cholesterol levels. Terminalia Arjuna is thus one of the most effective herbal heart care remedies.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is also commonly known as ‘Indian ginseng’. It is a unique herb with multiple functions. It contains active components like ‘Withanolides’ and ‘Withaferin’ which are very beneficial for nervous system. The herb also possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It is especially useful in diabetics and blood pressure people as it also controls diabetes and blood pressure. It relieves stress, anxiety and enhances physical and mental performance naturally. Stress leads to hypertension and heart problems. Therefore Ashwagandha is a natural herbal heart care remedy that controls blood pressure, anxiety and stress to indirectly benefit in heart problems. This herb is useful in many illnesses like blood pressure and hysteria. It controls epilepsy, mental disorders. It relieves stress and anxiety. It is also soothing and cooling to the heart and it act as an effective natural heart care herbal remedy.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): The herb ‘Brahmi’ is used in Ayurveda since ages for loss in memory, lack of concentration, forgetfulness. It increases the retention power as well as recollection. It is very useful in many mental illnesses also. Regular use also helps in stress, anxiety, blood pressure, hallucinations and epilepsy. Regular use of this herb improves mental ability and cognition. Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): This beautiful white flowered plant really enhances the mind ability to recollect and remember the things in a very effective manner. It relieves mental stress, controls blood pressure and also improves mind’s ability. People in India are using this herb for centuries for their children to improve their memory especially during exams.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY):
Amla reduces unwanted fat because it increases total protein levels; this is due to its ability to create a positive nitrogen balance and it also significantly reduces the levels of free fatty acids. In addition, Amla, in a raw or natural form lowers down cholesterol naturally and cholesterol induced atherosclerosis (Obstruction of the arteries), making it a useful natural product to fight obesity and heart related ailments. One study shows that it prevented atheroma (degeneration of the artery walls due to fat and scar tissue). Furthermore, Amla has a strong natural anti-oxidant effect because it is one of the richest sources of natural vitamin C on earth. This makes Amla juice nature’s best natural anti-oxidant and anti-ageing herbal remedy.
