ANGINA

angina (angina pectoris) is characterized by an intense pain in the chest brought on by a variety of abnormal heart functions or by a decreased amount of blood flowing to the heart. Most often, atherosclerosis, a hardening of the coronary arteries, is to blame. Angina may also be caused by irregular spasms of the coronary arteries.

Angina presents itself in three different forms. Stable angina is triggered by exercise, occurs frequently, and is usually anticipated; atherosclerosis is most often the cause. Variant angina can occur during periods of exercise or at times of rest and is predominantly a result of an impulsive spasm of the coronary artery; atherosclerosis may also play a part. Unstable angina is the most serious form of angina. It is completely unpredictable and can lead to a sudden heart attack. Individuals who experience severe chest pain or a worsening of what used to be mild angina should immediately request health care assistance.

Symptoms of Angina

Warning signs of angina commonly include a burning sensation (similar to indigestion), heaviness, aching, and/or constricting pressure in the chest that lasts anywhere from 5-30 minuets. The pain brought on by these symptoms can be felt in the back, neck, upper abdomen, jaw, or arms, but is more prominent in the area behind the breastbone. For some, trouble breathing, and a sweaty or pale completion may also indicate an attack. Symptoms are often more prevalent after a heavy meal, during periods of heightened emotion (excitement, fear, anger, shock, frustration), or while exercising.

Nutritional Supplements that may help people with Angina

Inside of every cell, fats are turned into useable energy by the mitochondria. In order to get fats into the mitochondria the body requires adequate amounts of the amino acid L-carnitine. And because energy output is vital to the normal functions of the heart, L-carnitine has been studied in connection with angina. Some studies have shown that a dose of 1g of L-carnitine taken two to three times a day improved the function of the heart and lessened the symptoms of angina.

Another contributor to the energy-producing systems of the heart is coenzyme Q10. Along with L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 has been proven useful in the treatment of angina. In one particular study, which has been substantiated by independent analysis, patients suffering from the symptoms of angina were given a dose of 150mg of coenzyme Q10 once a day. These patients went on to experience less chest pain, as well as increased exercise tolerance. Low blood levels of antioxidant vitamins, vitamin E in particular, have also been recognized as risk factors for angina. In fact, even when smoking and other risk factors are considered, substantial evidence linking an insufficient amount of antioxidants to angina remains constant. Although preliminary studies, which used vitamin E in supplemental doses of 300 IU (International Units) given once a day, could not find any benefit with regards to the treatment of angina, later studies which used lesser amounts of supplemental vitamin E (about 50 IU) each day for a longer period of time were able to prove small benefits.

Amongst all angina patients, the largest vitamin E deficiencies have been linked to those patients suffering from variant angina.

Herbs that may be useful for people with Angina

Research has found that the flowers, leaves, and fruit of the hawthorn tree, which contain a variety of flavonoids (including oligomeric procyandins), may act as protectors, guarding the blood vessels against damage. One clinical trial (focused on angina patients) found that a dose of hawthorn extract (60mg) containing 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins, when administered three times each day, improved both heart function as well as the patient’s ability to exercise.

Supporting Literature

Miwa K, Miyagi Y, Igawa A, et al. Vitamin E deficiency in variant angina. Circulation 1996;94:14–8.
Rapola RM, Virtamo J, Haukka JK, et al. Effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of angina pectoris. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. JAMA 1996;275:693–698.
Canale C, Terrachini V, Biagini A, et al. Bicycle ergometer and echocardiographic study in healthy subjects and patients with angina pectoris after administration of L-carnitine: Semiautomatic computerized analysis of M-mode tracing. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1988;26:221–224.
Cacciatore L, Cerio R, et al. The therapeutic effect of L-carnitine in patients with exercise-induced stable angina: A controlled study. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1991;17:225–235.
Kamikawa T, Kobayashi A, Yamashita T, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol 1985;56:247.
Riemersma RA, Wood DA, Macintyre CC, et al. Risk of angina pectoris and plasma concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E and carotene. Lancet 1991;337:1–5.
Rinzler SH, Bakst H, Benjamin ZH, et al. Failure of alpha-tocopherol to influence chest pain in patients with heart disease. Circulation 1950;1:288–290.