Angina

I am copying below an article on Angina Pectoris which I picked up from the web which is of interest.

Angina is the shortened form of a medical term for “angina pectoris” which means literally, pain in the chest, although it is, in fact, a heart condition. True angina can be a serious matter and a great disability in life. On the other hand, it can be controlled by good management and drugs.

There is a condition, called false angina which despite its name has nothing to do with heart, disease. Similarly in ‘Vincent’s anginal the word angina is used in an old fashioned way to mean an inflammation of the throat. But the one I am dealing in this article is real angina pectoris. Every angina patient will be the better for understanding something about this symptom, its cause and its possible control, The majority can teach themselves to come to terms with it and in doing so, they will make their lives easier and the doctors treatment more effective..

The first thing is to recognize angina, face it and make up one’s mind to outwit, this troublesome invader of man’s peace.

The pain (sometimes called angina of effort) can occur in front or back of chest, or in shoulders or radiating up the neck, or down the arm, but it is always mainly a central chest pain of a crushing or constricting character, usually *steady but not sharp and lasts for a few minutes. Sometimes the pain is felt only in upper abdomen (epigastrium and is wrongly diagnosed as gastritis by some doctors and is treated- with antacids.

The Causes Or Angina

Angina pectoris is caused by the condition of the coronary arteries which convey blood to the heart muscle to enable it to beat and sustain the circulation, These special arteries called coronary arteries are most important. Your heart goes on beating day and night for all long as you live. Other parts of the body can go to sleep when you are in bed, but the heart can never stop,

As we get older, all of us suffer to a greater or lesser degree, some hardening and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis),

This is part of the wear and tear of life. Naturally in some people, it is worse than others and in these individuals these coronary arteries become so narrowed and inelastic that some part of the heart muscle is starved of its proper blood supply. This causes angina pain which has been called the cry of the heart for more blood. Frequently angina is a warning symptom of a future heart attack, Severe angina (unstable angina) if not properly treated usually can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Why Angina Comes On

Normally the constriction in the coronary arteries (essential cause of angina) is not severe enough to starve the heart muscle of blood provided individual is relaxed or lying down or walking at a comfortable pace, However, as effort increases, more blood will be needed by the heart muscle and therefore the angina pain will come on.

This extra load upon the heart can be increased by many kinds of strain such as running for a bus or train, dashing upwards, losing ones temper or becoming worked up about some personal problem. All these and many others put an, extra load on the heart which it ha’s to bear, in addition to its ordinary work and the result will be angina. A woman may get angina when she comes home from shopping or marketing, but not when she sets out. The difference is probably the extra weight of her basket.

Sometimes getting a letter which from handwriting one recognizes is likely to bring bad news may start off the attack. And some people react so powerfully to meeting another, that angina comes on. Again angina at night can be set off by an unwise meal just before going to bed.

Sometimes some teledramas you watch can set off some special emotions in your mind which can cause stress. Tears and laughter do not cause stress; only fear and memory of fear can cause stress and precipitate angina in a coronary patient.

In this article, I am not going to discuss the management of an angina patient by your family physician or cardiologist e.g. using drugs such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates and antiplatelet drugs or investigations for angina such as ECG, exercise ECG, 2D Echo, coronary angiography, Thallium scanning or procedures such as PTCA (angioplasty) stenting and coronary artery, bypass surgery (CABG) as there have been a number of articles on above topics in the news journals and you may have been watching TV’ programmes. On above topics. I am discussing how you should adjust your life if you are a case of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Proper Use of Rest

We advise our angina patients to rest, but very few patients know how to use rest properly. It seems so simple when one is fit and well. But the angina patient has to use every opportunity to take the strain off the circulation. When you come into the house, automatically push up your., feet and remain for a short time in a comfortable position see that you get a proper amount of rest in bed at night, not necessarily asleep but in a horizontal position.

Smoking.

Undoubtedly cigarette smoking keeps up the tendency to attacks of angina and the smoker should make a big effort to abandon cigarettes completely. This can be done, and those who face the struggle for a week or two will undoubtedly find their angina less troublesome.

Relieving An Angina Attack

Since angina is brought on by stress or effort, the first thing we have to do is to reduce the heart activity to a more comfortable level. Stop what you are doing and stand or sit still, putting your feet up if possible, Gradually the need for extra blood will diminish and as it goes, so will the pain.

Happily we have drugs such as Glycerol trinitrate (GTN) sublingual tablets, GTN spray and Isosorbide mononitrate sublingual tablets. The latter 2 relieve an attack of angina in one or two minutes. Unfortunately some of, the GTN tablets available in Sri Lank take about 10 minutes to dissolve in your mouth. So whenever you get an attack of angina in addition to measures mentioned above, take GTN or Isordel (aublingual) or if you can afford, GTN spray.

Sometimes it does happen that the angina patient can I walk off the attack.. The heart seems to get a second wind and the pain which may have been quite severe, diminishes and disappears.

Angina caused by over — eating or by feeling of anger, tension or frustration (mostly subconscious) are not quite so easy to relieve,

Today we have very sound drugs such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates and anti-platelet agents and the number of drug increase as research progresses, Your family physician or your cardiologist will know all about these and will preseribe the one which is most suitable for you personally and all these druge, should be used under your doctor’s guidance. Should a persistent attack of angina comes on take a sublingual GTN, contact your family physician if he can be contacted, swallow a tablet of soluble asprin and request one of your relatives or friends to take you to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Avoiding Angina

It is of course better to trace the cause that brings on an attack of angina rather than expose yourself to the risk and then to be obliged to take the drug, Drugs are an aid to the simple methods of prevention rather than as a method in itself. Angina can be brought on by a number of stimuli physical or mental. Physical exertion may bring it on for example walking uphill or an unduly long walk for a bus or carrying a too heavy a weight can precipitate angina pain.

Sexual intercourse which is painful or causes distress instead of pleasure may bring on an attack of angina, Unnecessary feats of activity such as moving the piano or opening a window which has become stiff or digging in the garden for too long or transporting a gas cylinder into the kitchen can precipitate an attack of angina.

Stress And Angina

There are mental causes which bring on angina. A violent TV program or a horror film -can produce the sort of fear situation that causes an attack. Strain, shock, fear about the family can induce an attack: of angina in a heart patient.

If angina comes on when you are walking, you will soon reduce the pace at which you can walk comfortably or it is advisable for you to take a GTN tablet before you start walking. Many angina patients develop a new scheme of organizing their lives, they arrange to avoid the excessive efforts, as for instance, by walking one way and taking the bus back. It is preferable for an angina patient to have a room down stairs.

Management of time is a difficult chore, Some of us work against the clock and this causes a strain on your circulation. A housewife must try to cut out unnecessary jobs, transfer some of the others to the family and gently tackle the rest herself. She should if possible put up her feet whenever possible, relaxing, with a cup of tea, reading a book or switching on a TV program or closing the eyes and meditating for a few minutes.

Obesity (Over weight)

Overweight is one, of the most serious forms of overstrain on heart and circulation. The heart has to, do more, the blood vessels have to work harder to keep the same quantity of blood circulating over a larger volume of muscle and fat,. If you are 10 percent overweight, then every moment of the day and night your heart has to do 10 percent more work than it was designed to do. Don’t try to reduce your weight too quickly, If you can bring it down to near normal within 2 to 4 months, this will be quite, satisfactory and only the first week or two will be really hard. Keep a record of your weight and this will encourage you.

There are many systems of diet.. Rice, bread, cakes, sugar, yams, fats, beer and spinta are the worst enemies of the person trying to lose weight. Always eat moderately especially before going to bed. A short walk after dinner is very healthy. Try to rest for 10-15 minutes or longer after each meal especially after lunch and dinner, Don’t eat or drink anything you know will disagree with you even if this means offending the cook or hostess as a digestive upset or flatulence can bring on an attack of angina. Too much alcohol is bad for an angina patient.

Emotional Stress

It is hard for any of us ‘control, our temperament. Anger, excitement, fear and tension all start the heart racing and if you are “highly strung type you should try to build up a discipline which will make you take life tolerantly, This requires distinct effort, You should accept calmly those pin .,pricks which come to all of Us.

Do not brood about people you dislike or you are sure have wronged you. Merely keep out of their way, Keep clean of people -and situations which make you lose your temper. Switch off over — exciting TV programmes and scenes of violence.

Motor Driving

You should do your utmost to rearrange your routes to avoid traffic jams as traffic jams precipitate angina in coronary patients, Fast driving is a form of stress which should be avoided, Weekend driving for relaxation and pleasure can be wonderful

Exercise for the Angina Patient

The safest exercise is walking not necessarily quick walking or sprinting but walking at a leisure pace — two to three kilometres in the open air in as pleasant surroundings, as possible. Swimming too is good- provided you do not overtax yourself and the water, is not too cold. Do ‘not be tempted into competitive games,

Most people who are no longer young get broken nights. A. Sunday nap will help you. It is advisable for heart patients to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes after lunch. Although sleeplessness is disagreeable for you as a heart patient, just lying in bed horizontally will be beneficial even when you are not asleep. Give yourself 8 or more hours in bed.

Holidays

Everyone is the better for a holiday that gives a real change of surroundings and activities. A holiday during which there is no pressure on you seems to endow you with increased energy. When you are holidaying, don’t drive your car like a madman after drinking beer or other alcoholic drinks. Let your holiday be restful in the open air and sunshine with congenial people.

Look upon your angina as a friendly warning signal that your circulation is in distress, and for your good, you should immediately stop all activity for a short time. You must get an early appointment to see your G.P who, I am sure will arrange for few tests like E.C.G., blood sugar and blood cholesterol after doing a good general examination. If necessary he will refer you to a cardiologist for tests such as exercise ECG, 2D-Echocardiogram and coronary angiography if these tests are necessary.

30 Comments

  1. rajeev says:

    Dear Dr Joe,
    Greeting of the day
    My name is rajeev and i am from india.my age is 37.recently a few weeks ago i am diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse with trivial regurgitation.i had gone through echo as well as tmt test.while all other tests such as lft,blood,serum and others are normal.doctor gave me beta cap 40 a beta blocker and lozep0.5 which is for relaxation of mind.due to this problem i feels faintness,diziness and also my b.p always becomes low sometimes 110/70.can u pls advice me to treat the mvp.
    Regards
    Rajeev

    • Joe says:

      Please visit:

      A patient with MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse) cured

      http://www.joedelivera.com/?p=491

      You will have to give me more data on your problem with details of when you first discovered it and what treatment including the drugs you were prescribed and what their effects were.

      At age 37 there is every chance that you can also be cured of your problems and the remedies I have prescribed are:

      Arnica 30c in the Wet dose taken thrice daily for a month and reduced to twice daily thereafter.
      Nat Phos 6x dose 2 tablets taken thrice daily after meals.

      You will STOP the Sedative which is causing you unnecessary and perhaps dangerous side effects but you may continue with the Beta Blocker for the moment till you report on your response to my therapy.

      The Wet dose of any Homeopathic remedy is made as follows:

      Order the remedy in the Ethanol pack also referred to as Liquid Dilution in a bottle preferably with a dropper arrangement.
      Get a 500ml bottle of Spring Water from the nearest supermarket.
      Pour out about 3cm of water from the bottle to leave some airspace.
      Insert 3 drops of the remedy into the bottle and shake the bottle hard before you sip a capfull of the bottle or a large teaspoonful which is the dose.
      Shaking the bottle hard is homeopathic succussion and this shaking must be done at least 6 times before sipping a capful of the bottle as prescribed.

      Please follow the following restrictions which are essential to ensure that the remedy prescribed is not antidoted:

      Do not use Coffee, Cola beverages, preserved foods like sausages, ham and bacon as they contain Saltpeter

      You will exercise in moderation to help keep your blood flow and will be careful of your diet and avoid all fats.

      You will report on your response to my therapy weekly.

  2. rajeev says:

    Dear sir,
    As you have asked I had pain in the heart area for a year…and the same was happening frequently but i was just thinking that its due to acidity.but when it did not gone i went for ecg which was normal after that tmt and eco which confirmed the problem.and i am on beta blocker and on sedative for the past 2-3 months.i can also send u my reports if required.i have noticed that during winters pain occurs more and in summers it’s less.and also i have mentioned that i feels dizziness and faintness while walking or while standing from sitting position which is due to this problem or low b.p problem
    I will follow ur advice strictly from today reg diet and all that but pls do tell me can i take wallnuts,flaxseeds and almonds which s good for heart.
    Regards,
    Rajeev

    • Joe says:

      Have you read the account of the patient with MVP who seems to have recovered from his problem?

      I cannot advise you about the nuts you listed. If they do not contribute to increasing fat levels they may be OK.

  3. rajeev says:

    Sir ,i have also purchased the arnica and nat phos but the chemist has given me arnica mont30.pls confirm if its the same medicine as prescribed by you.

  4. rajeev says:

    Yes doctor i have gone through the mvp. Patient’s account.and i am also hopeful that i too will be get benefit from your therapy.
    regards
    rajeev

  5. rajeev says:

    Dear dr joe,
    I am taking ur therapy for the past week and seems to have some relief on pain.but i feels dizziness and faintness sometimes .my b.p also comes down to 105/65 sometimes.
    Pls advice
    Rajeev

    • Joe says:

      What are the drugs you are taking today prescribed by your doctors?

      It is very likely that my remedies are lowering your BP even more than before and you may have to eliminate those that are interfering with the Homeopathic remedies.

  6. rajeev says:

    Sir,i am taking betacap 40tr capsule in the morning only and have Stopped the sedative lozep tablet as told by you.kindly suggest me some remedy for low b.p due to which i feels faintness and diziness also while walking.
    Regards

    • Joe says:

      I do not know what Betacap 40tr is and for which problem it has been prescribed.
      It is not listed on the Web.

      This is another example of how drugs cause various side effects which have to be treated by more drugs.

      Visit

      PILL POPPING CULTURE
      http://www.joedelivera.com/?s=pill+popping

      I expect you to be more precise in your statements as I was wondering how you discovered the Miracle
      “sudden increase in my left hand fingers.”

      I note from your subsequent post that you meant:
      “twitching and contractions in my left haand fingers.”

      Quite frankly I do not know how to treat this problem which is most likely caused by the drugs you are taking today.

  7. rajeev says:

    Sir there is also sudden increase in my left hand fingers.

  8. rajeev says:

    I mean to say twitching and contractions in my left haand fingers.

  9. kt says:

    Sir,
    I am a female ,33 ,India..I have open pores on my face along with acne scars.pls suggest something to reduce it.
    Thank you

    • Joe says:

      I can help to prevent Acne but to fill up the scars is difficult and will take a long time.

      You can use Arnica 30c in the Wet dose taken twice daily and
      Silicea 6x dose 2 tablets taken twice daily.

      Report progress in a month.

  10. K T says:

    ok sir..will definitely do…and report you after one month.Even If it will take long time ,I will do.Thank you.

  11. K T says:

    Dear sir,
    I have started taking Arnica 30c and Silicea 6X for acne scars from 5th april.I am also overweight ..Can you suggest something to reduce my weight.
    Thank you..

  12. K T says:

    Dear Sir ,
    I am 33,female from India…as per your suggestion I am taking Arnica 30c wet dose and silicea 6x, 2 tablets two times a day from last five days for acne scars.I am also oveweight 75 kg ..Could you pls also suggest something for my weight issue also

    • Joe says:

      Please visit the link below entitied

      The Ultimate Cure for Obesity on:

      http://abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/15923/

      This is a post I made on the ABC way back in 2004 on December 25, the day before the Tsunami hit Sri Lanka, a day which will forever will remain in my mind for as long as I live as I was involved in the Homeopathic after care of the many thousands of survivors immediately after the Tsunami when I was joined by members of Homeopaths Without Borders who sent 6 pairs of erstwhile Homeopaths to help me in my efforts to help them.

      Basically your therapy will comprise the use of
      Nat Phos 6x dose 3 tablets taken thrice daily after meals
      Arnica 30c in the Wet dose taken twice daily before meals.

      Weigh yourself today before you commence on my therapy and report your weight loss weekly when the standard loss which you can expect and has been reported is around 1kg per week.

      You will also do a regular stint of at least 45 minutes of exercise which will be done by you at intensive levels, irrespective of the general feeling of tiredness that you may experience, if you wish to benefit from my Joepathy.

      You will also control your diet and avoid fatty fools completely and eat in moderation to ensure that your stomach is filled to comfortable levels.

      The Wet dose of any Homeopathic remedy is made as follows:

      Order the remedy in the Ethanol pack also referred to as Liquid Dilution in a bottle preferably with a dropper arrangement.
      Get a 500ml bottle of Spring Water from the nearest supermarket.
      Pour out about 3cm of water from the bottle to leave some airspace.
      Insert 3 drops of the remedy into the bottle and shake the bottle hard before you sip a capfull of the bottle or a large teaspoonful which is the dose.
      Shaking the bottle hard is homeopathic succussion and this shaking must be done at least 6 times before sipping a capful of the bottle as prescribed.

      Please follow the following restrictions which are essential to ensure that the remedy prescribed is not antidoted:

      Do not use Coffee, Cola beverages, preserved foods like sausages, ham and bacon as they contain Saltpeter.

      Report your weight loss weekly when you can expect a drop of at least 1kg per WEEK.

  13. K T says:

    Dear sir,
    I am taking silicea 3x from last 15 days(for acne scars)..And I am feeling that my face is getting clear day be day..
    As suggested by you I am also taking Arnica 30 c wet dose and Nat phos 3x for overweight issue from last 1 week,weight is same but I feel that i am looking a bit slimmer.
    Thank you

    • Joe says:

      Glad to learn that Silicea 3x has helped to fill up the Acne Scars. You must be warned however that Silicea is a very deep acting remedy and I would prefer that you go easy with it. Also change over to 6x as this is not as powerful as the 3x which I did not prescribe for you. Take the minimum dose like 2 tablets daily for a month and see if those scars have filled up.

      Continue with the Nat Phos 6x (Not 3x) and the Arnica for life and you may take 2 tablets NP twice daily and Arnica 30c twice daily.

  14. kt says:

    Thanks for reply sir…It was typing mistake…Actually I am taking silicea 6x as prescribed by you.I am not taking silicea 3x.
    will do all as suggested by you.I am really concerned of my weight issue.

  15. K T says:

    Sir,I am taking silicea 6x for scars not silicea 3x,But I am taking NAT PHOS 3x…that I have to correct.Thanks for correcting me .I am really concerned for my weight issue.I was taking NAT phos 3x from last 10 days.Is this the reason that I didnt notice any weight loss.

    • Joe says:

      I have prescribed Nat Phos 6x for weight loss and you have used the 3x potency. This may be the reason why you have not lost weight.

  16. k t says:

    Dear sir
    First week I took nat phos 6x ..3 tablets 3 times a day without exercise..no weight loss is seen.2nd week I took nat phos 6x ..done 45 mins brisk walk everyday..still weight is same.I am also taking arnica 30c wet dose.what else can I do…

    • Joe says:

      I regret to inform you that Nat Phos 6x cannot help you. You have taken it for 2 weeks and if it could help you, you should have had some reduction of your weight by now.

      It is up to you to stop it or to continue it as in any case it cannot do you any harm.
      This included Arnica.

      • k t says:

        Thank you sir ,I am still continuing both remedies Nat phos 6x and arnica 30 c wet dose .
        You also told me to continue silicea 6x for 1 months and to check if scars are filled up…scars are reduced..(it’s alread one and half month).But deep scars are still there.Shall I continue silicea for one more month.?

        One thing more if you advise something for small white spots (patches) on my body..
        Thank you sir.

        • Joe says:

          Stop the Silicea as this is a deep acting remedy and not suited for daily use.

          Continue with the Nat Phos and Arnica.

  17. k t says:

    ok sir…will do the same..

  18. Avijit Bag says:

    Dear sir
    I have a queries to you is mvp and angima are same and homeopathy treatment mentioned with Paul rajasekara are same with angima patients.

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