‘Angina Pectoris’, sounds like a
magic spell? Actually, it isn't. Angina Pectoris, commonly referred as Angina is episodes
of discomfort with chest pain. It is a clinical syndrome of chest pain
radiating to the left side of the body. It occurs due to an imbalance between
oxygen demand and supply to the heart. It is commonly caused due to narrowing
of arteries as a result of fat deposition (Coronary atherosclerosis) which
increases the risk of Heart Attacks.
The major causes of Angina are
diets rich in fats, smoking, lack of exercise, diabetes, hypertension and
cholesterol.
Angina can be stable or unstable.
Stable Angina occurs after physical
exertion, heavy meals, stress, etc. and lasts from 1 to 15 minutes. It reduces
after medication or rest. It is a cause of heart attack and can lead to unstable angina which occurs at rest or
without much effort and lasts for a longer duration without responding well to
medications. It poses a greater risk for heart attacks.
The common symptoms observed in Angina are Chest pain radiating to the
left arm, jaw, neck or back; sensation of gases; chest pressure, heaviness,
suffocation, chest burning, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms worsen in cold
weather, stress or after heavy eating.
The diet therapy for Angina calls
for a fibre rich, low fat diet. Foods which help in lowering cholesterol
(garlic, onion) should be consumed. Caffeinated drinks should be restricted. Dietary
fat in the form of animal fat and hydrogenated oils should be avoided. Lean
meat and fish which are good for the heart (salmon, tuna, and mackerel) are
recommended. Anti-oxidants like vitamin A, C and E are also beneficial. Vitamin
A, with anti oxidant properties prevents atherosclerosis by checking oxidation
of artery walls. Vitamin C with bioflavonoid restrains the hardening of
arteries. Vitamin E prevents oxidation of LDL and its adherence to artery
walls.
Fruits like pineapple, grapes,
oranges and apples help lower cholesterol. Green leafy vegetables and parsley
is a well known remedy for angina. Flaxseed oil, rich in α-linoleic acid and other Unsaturated Fatty
Acids diminish atherosclerosis and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and prevent
angina. Soy lecithin reduces cholesterol and helps to break plaques of the
arteries.
The following diagrams will
explain the role of other nutrients in managing Angina.
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