Alternative Treatments for Angina

Angina, caused by restricted blood flow to the heart, causes chest pain which can feel like squeezing or tightening. Stable angina typically occurs during exercise or in times of emotional or physical stress; it is usually relieved with rest and nitroglycerin tablets. Unstable angina can occur at any time and can lead to heart attack. Blocked arteries are the most common cause. Natural therapies should serve as a complement to standard treatments and you should consult with an experienced health care provider about natural strategies.

Supplements

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the following supplements have demonstrated success in managing angina in clinical studies.

  L-carnitine reduces symptoms of angina; take 1 gram twice daily. CoenymeQ10 promotes overall heart health, and it helps people with angina exercise more frequently without pain; take 150 milligrams daily. Q10 can interfere with blood-thinning medications. L-arginine improves blood flow and improves tolerance for physical activity; take 2,000 milligrams three times daily. Magnesium acts in a similar fashion as certain blood pressure medications (a common part of conventional treatment for angina) but is not as strong. It can also lessen chest pain resulting from exercise; take 365 milligrams twice a day.

Herbs

• Herbal treatments for angina can help reduce the complications of the condition as well as contribute to overall heart health.

  Hawthorn has a long history of use treating heart disease. In respect to angina, it can improve blood flow to the heart and improve the quality of exercise by reducing pain. Take 360 milligrams three times a day. Kudzu is a primary treatment for heart disease in traditional Chinese medicine. It might reduce the frequency of angina attacks, but according to the University of Maryland, clinical trials evaluating this were poorly designed. Use 30 to 120 milligrams daily. Terminalia arjuna, an herb frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine, can reduce the frequency of attacks and enhance exercise tolerance; discuss appropriate dosages with your doctor.

Acupuncture

• Studies examining the usefulness of acupuncture to treat angina have produced mixed results. Studies with positive results found it cut down on the number of angina attacks and the need to use nitroglycerin, a primary conventional treatment which helps the heart get more blood and oxygen.

Homeopathy

• Studies examining homeopathic treatment of angina are lacking. A professional homeopath would typically recommend treatments to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Homeopathic remedies are based on many factors besides the primary condition and include things like personality, lifestyle and physical make-up. Due to the highly individualized nature of treatment, consulting with a professional homeopath is recommended to design an optimal regimen. Homeopathic treatments for this condition might include argentums nitricum, aurum metallicum, calcarea carbonica, lachesis and nux vomica.

Self-Care Strategies

• Eating a healthy diet is important. Consume lots of whole, unprocessed foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Keep your sodium intake less than 2,300 milligrams daily and try to eat at least two servings of fish weekly. Keep alcoholic drinks to two per day if you are man and one if you are a woman. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

  Managing stress is an important part of managing this condition. Engage in stress-reduction techniques like yoga, deep breathing, positive visualization, meditation or progressive relaxation, which involves tensing and releasing one muscle group at a time.