Angina Pectoris, commonly called Angina, is a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart is deprived of enough blood and oxygen. It may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in your chest. The pain can also occur in your shoulders, neck, arms, jaw and back. Angina is a sign of coronary artery disease, one of the most common heart diseases.
Stable Angina: This is the most prevalent type of Angina. It happens when the heart works harder than usual, for example during stress or exercise. It has a predictable pattern and is usually controlled with medication and rest.
Unstable Angina: This type is considered a medical emergency as it doesn't follow a typical pattern and may happen even at rest. It may be an indicator of future risk of heart attack.
Variant (Prinzmetal's) Angina: This rare type of Angina occurs during restful sleep because of a spasm in your coronary artery. It can be relieved with medicine.
Microvascular Angina: This type is the result of spasms in the walls of the small blood vessels of the heart, not just the larger arteries. It may be more severe and last longer than other types.
Angina is a sign that your heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen. If you experience this particular type of chest pain, it’s important to see an Ayurvedic doctor immediately, especially in case it's a new or severe pain that does not disappear with rest. This can help prevent more serious heart problems like a stroke.
Angina Pectoris, or Angina, occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This condition often indicates blockages or narrowing in arteries that can cause serious heart problems if left untreated.
The most common Angina Pectoris causes include:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is a leading cause of Angina. CAD happens when the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients (coronary arteries) get damaged. This is usually because of cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) in your arteries as well as inflammation.
Atherosclerosis: This condition causes narrowing and hardening of arteries from the accumulation of plaques. It causes decreased blood flow and can lead to Angina.
Blood Clot: Blood clots within the coronary arteries may obstruct or reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, causing Angina.
Artery Spasm: Occasionally, the coronary arteries may spasm or tighten up, lowering blood circulation to the heart and causing Angina. This could happen even in people without coronary artery disease.
Anaemia: Anaemia occurs when you lack healthy red blood cells to transport sufficient oxygen to your cells and tissues.
Physical Exertion: When atherosclerosis or other causes narrow the coronary arteries, heavy physical activity may increase the demand for heart oxygen.
Angina Pectoris can be a warning sign that there is some major problem with your heart. Although chest pain is the primary Angina Pectoris symptom, the presentation may depend on Angina type and individual differences. Recognising the symptoms and signs of Angina can prompt timely medical treatment to prevent more serious heart problems.
The most noticeable signs and symptoms of Angina include:
The most common Angina symptom, often described as pressure, squeezing, pain or fullness in the centre of the chest. It might last several minutes or come and go.
Angina pain can spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulders, or back.
When your heart isn't pumping enough blood to meet your body’s needs, you might feel winded or short of breath.
Even though less common, some people experience a feeling of sickness along with chest pain.
Feeling utterly tired can be a symptom of Angina, if accompanied by other Angina symptoms.
Reduced blood flow to the heart could cause dizziness or light-headedness.
A common reaction to Angina is breaking out in a cold sweat.
Anxiety or a sense of imminent doom are also commonly reported in Angina episodes.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Angina Pectoris using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientific blends that rebalance the body’s energy system and promote emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These practices calm the mind and boost mental and physical health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Techniques like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages detoxify the body and promote emotional stability.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on changing your diet and daily routine for better health outcomes.
Ayurveda offers natural medicines for heart problems such as Angina Pectoris (also known as Hritshoola in Ayurveda), emphasising balance and holistic healing. Ayurvedic medicine generally uses natural herbs to support the heart, boost blood circulation and relieve the signs of Angina by restoring the balance of energies in the body’s doshas.
The most effective Ayurvedic Medicines for Angina Pectoris are:
Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna): The most recommended herb for heart health in Ayurveda is Arjuna. Arjuna bark strengthens heart muscles and increases coronary artery blood flow to relieve Angina Pectoris symptoms.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha relieves stress and anxiety, which are major risk factors for Angina. It also supports cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation.
Guggulu (Commiphora Wightii): This resin is known to lower blood cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup in arteries, supporting heart function.
Garlic (Allium Sativum): Garlic is believed to lower blood cholesterol and prevent clot formation, protecting against heart conditions that cause Angina.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Brahmi is also known to strengthen the cardiovascular system and relieve Angina symptoms.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): This herb works as a diuretic, decreasing fluid retention in the body and reducing cardiovascular stress.
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis): This Ayurvedic herb is known for its effects on the nervous system, calming the mind and reducing stress on the heart.
Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi): Jatamansi is a sedative that can help manage heart palpitations and stress in patients with Angina.
Angina Pectoris is caused mainly by decreased blood circulation to the heart, generally from coronary artery disease.
Ayurveda offers holistic remedies to manage Angina symptoms and boost heart health through natural herbs, lifestyle and diet modifications.
Ayurvedic diagnosis of Angina Pectoris may involve pulse diagnosis, observation of physical signs and emotional health assessment to identify dosha imbalances in the body.
Yes, Angina is a warning sign of serious heart problems such as heart attacks, especially if it changes suddenly or becomes severe.
Ayurvedic recommendations for Angina prevention include eating right, doing mild exercise such as yoga and limiting stress.
Yes, stress may lead to Angina by raising the normal heart rate and blood pressure.
Ayurveda suggests a low salt/cholesterol diet, fruits, vegetables and whole grain food items to help cardiovascular health and manage Angina symptoms.
Ayurveda does not classify Angina into types but treats it based on the underlying dosha imbalance and individual symptoms.
Yes, Ayurveda helps detox the body and strengthen the heart through herbal medicines, lifestyle changes & treatments such as Panchakarma.
Herbs like Arjuna, Guggulu and Ashwagandha are considered heart-strengthening as per Ayurveda.
Is regular exercise recommended for someone with Angina?
Yes, moderate cardio exercise like walking or yoga is recommended for supporting heart health but should be performed under medical supervision to avoid overexertion.
