Angina pectoris: the most effective dietary supplements

The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygenated blood. A decrease in myocardial perfusion (ischemia) causes chest pain, also called angina or angina pectoris. This ischemia is usually due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries. There are two main types of angina: stable angina, triggered by exertion, and unstable angina, which can occur at rest and indicates an increased risk of myocardial infarction.

Symptoms

Angina often presents as a sensation of pressure, discomfort or choking on the left side of the chest, precipitated by exertion, excitement, or cold, and relieved by rest. In some patients, the pain may radiate to the left arm, the jaw, or more rarely to the right arm. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by dyspnea (difficulty breathing), diaphoresis (excessive sweating) or nausea. However, not all patients experience these classic symptoms. In some people, myocardial ischemia can cause atypical symptoms, such as jaw pain, fatigue, discomfort in the arms, or pain in the upper abdomen. In addition, myocardial ischemia can be "silent" (asymptomatic), especially in diabetic patients.

Etiology

The main cause of angina pectoris is coronary atherosclerosis, responsible for 90% of cases. Risk factors include hypertension, smoking, type 1 diabetes, states of insulin resistance (such as type 2 diabetes and obesity), hypercholesterolemia, and a family history of premature vascular disease. Angina can also result from rarer conditions in which the heart's oxygen demand exceeds its supply. These causes include coronary artery anomalies, coronary spasm (Prinzmetal's syndrome), aortic stenosis, anemia, hyperthyroidism, cocaine use, carbon monoxide poisoning, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Treatment

Treatment is based on taking medications aimed at preventing attacks, as well as making lifestyle changes. Smoking cessation, adopting a balanced diet, and monitoring weight are recommended.

Prevention

Prevention involves strict management of atherosclerosis risk factors. Patients should be informed about the importance of reducing dietary cholesterol and saturated fat intake, losing weight if obese, and avoiding tobacco. A regular exercise program should also be offered to patients for whom it is feasible.