Angina pectoris, also known as stable angina, is chest pain that manifests during physical activity or when you are under significant stress. This health problem is caused by insufficient blood flow through your coronary, or heart, arteries. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that angina is one of the most common symptoms of coronary heart disease. Before using diet and nutrition to help treat your angina pectoris, meet with your doctor to discuss all relevant diet-related issues.
Angina Pectoris
Although angina pectoris is a health problem that affects both men and women, it may develop in women at a later age than men, notes the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with angina pectoris include chest discomfort, pain in your left arm, jaw, back and shoulder, heartburn, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and sweating. Cold weather, emotional distress, big meals and physical exertion are among the most common factors that may provoke a bout of angina.
Helpful Dietary Practices
Consuming a well-rounded diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products may be particularly helpful in treating your angina, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to naturopathic physicians Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, co-authors of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," increasing your consumption of flax seeds or flax seed oil, onions, garlic and fish may also be beneficial in treating your angina. Consider avoiding fried foods, foods containing sugar, common food allergens and alcohol.
A Useful Food
Flax seed oil may be one of the most useful foods in treating your angina pectoris. Flax seed oil has historically been used in treating numerous cardiovascular disorders, including angina, elevated blood pressure and heart disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that flax seed oil may also be helpful in treating elevated cholesterol levels and Sjogren's syndrome -- an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your moisture-producing glands. Flax seed oil contains a significant amount of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Disclaimer
Angina pectoris is a serious health problem and may lead to dire health consequences -- heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death -- if it is not treated in a proper manner. Report to your doctor at the first signs of this health problem for a full and thorough investigation of your cardiovascular health. Your doctor can order relevant tests or refer you to a cardiovascular health specialist, if necessary. To better understand the role of diet and nutrition in treating your angina pectoris, meet with a health-care professional who specializes in clinical nutrition.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Angina
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Angina
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Angina
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed Oil
