Angina is the term used to describe pain or discomfort in the chest and it can be a warning sign of an increased risk of a heart attack in some patients. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood and having high blood pressure increases the risk. Managing high blood pressure and angina involves making healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, managing stress and eating a healthy diet. For some, medication may also be required. Due to the seriousness of angina and high blood pressure, check with a health care provider before starting any new diet or food plan.
Introduction
For the heart muscle to pump correctly, it must receive an adequate and continuous supply of blood and oxygen. If the blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart become narrow or blocked, the heart may not get the blood it needs. The blood vessels can become narrow due to coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up along the blood vessel walls. As plaque builds up, so does the pressure against the blood vessel walls. This increase in pressure is called high blood pressure or hypertension. When high blood pressure causes a decrease in blood supply to the heart, angina symptoms may occur. Symptoms of angina include chest pain, chest tightness, trouble breathing, dizziness and pain that radiates into the jaw, back or shoulders. Angina requires medical attention to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Features
Making dietary changes to treat angina means bringing blood pressure numbers under control. This involves reducing the intake of salt, cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fats. Too much salt in the diet can cause fluid retention, which in turn creates more fluid for the heart to pump. This can contribute to high blood pressure and raise the risk of angina. Current recommendations are to eat no more than 1,500 mg or less of sodium per day for those with known heart disease. This is slightly less then 1 tsp. of table salt. Cholesterol consumption should be under 300 mg per day and total fat consumption should not exceed 25 to 35 percent of total caloric intake. Most of the daily intake of fats should be from monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.
Considerations
To help lower blood pressure numbers and reduce the risk of angina, the Texas Heart Institute also recommends watching alcohol intake. Too much alcohol in the diet can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and in turn angina. Men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should have no more than one. One drink is the equivalent of 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of spirits.
Solution
To help control blood pressure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests following a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. Just enough calories should be consumed to maintain a healthy weight; if you are overweight, strive for a daily caloric deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories to lose about 1 to 2 lbs. per week. In addition, since high blood pressure can exist without ever causing any symptoms, it is important to check it regularly. This way, adjustments to your diet can be made if blood pressure is getting too high.
