One of the most common complaints when people go to the emergency room is chest pain. Angina, or angina pectoris, is chest pain that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is reduced. It is described as a feeling of squeezing, tightness, burning, heaviness, and pressure behind the sternum.
If you have chest pain or pressure that is new, severe, or does not go away with rest, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Other common angina symptoms are pain in the back, shoulders, upper central abdomen, jaw, and neck area, as well as sweating, fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, and dizziness. Some women can feel these symptoms without having chest discomfort or chest pain. The main risk factors for angina are diabetes, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease.
Since angina and heart attacks have similar symptoms, they are often mistaken for each other.
The main difference is that the pain caused by angina usually lasts no longer than 5 to 10 minutes, and it is not as severe as that of a heart attack. Angina frequently appears during exercise and eases when you rest.
Moreover, in most cases, it eases after taking nitroglycerin or other prescription medications. However, angina must be taken seriously, since it might be a warning sign of a heart attack.
Usually, angina pectoris is a symptom of plaque accumulation in the arteries that supply the heart. But chest pain can also be a symptom of an upper respiratory infection, muscle spasms, gallbladder problems, and indigestion. Only a doctor can tell what is behind it, and treatment of angina usually requires prescribed medicines.
Alongside the treatment your doctor recommends, many people also add heart-friendly foods and habits to their daily routine.
Here are ten foods and habits that are traditionally used to support heart health. They are not a replacement for medical care.
10 Foods and Habits That May Support Heart Health
1. Ginger
Ginger contains the chemical compound gingerol, which researchers are studying for its effect on cholesterol levels. It also has antioxidant properties.
- Make ginger tea by adding one tbsp. of grated ginger to a cup of hot water. Cover it and let it steep for about 5 minutes. After that, just strain it.
- You can also eat a small piece of raw ginger in the morning on an empty stomach as part of a heart-friendly diet.
2. Garlic
The Journal of Nutrition published a study in 2006 which suggested that regular intake of garlic may support cardiovascular health. Researchers are studying its effects on plaque buildup on the arterial walls and on cholesterol levels.
- Add half a teaspoon of garlic juice to a cup of hot water, and drink it.
- You can also eat 1 to 2 raw garlic cloves with water on an empty stomach.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains high amounts of capsaicin, a compound studied for its anti-inflammatory effects and its role in circulation.
- Take a glass of milk or some fruit juice, and add half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.
- You can also consult your doctor about taking cayenne as a supplement.
4. Alfalfa
This plant is traditionally used to support healthy cholesterol levels and good blood flow. Alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll, and many people drink it as a tea when they want to support their heart and avoid cardiac chest pain.
- To prepare warm alfalfa tea, take a cup of hot water and add a tsp. of dried alfalfa leaves. Let it steep for 5 minutes and strain it.
- Alfalfa is also available as a supplement. Consult your doctor before taking it.
5. Turmeric
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Researchers are studying its effects on clot formation, plaque buildup, and cholesterol oxidation, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Boil one glass of milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add some honey and drink it warm.
- Add turmeric powder to your everyday meals, or consult your doctor about taking turmeric supplements.
6. Basil
Basil contains magnesium, a mineral that plays a role in relaxing the blood vessels and in normal heart function. Furthermore, basil contains vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant.
- Drink a cup of basil tea or chew eight to ten fresh leaves of this plant.
- Some people take a mixture of 1 tsp. of basil juice and 1 tsp. of honey first thing in the morning, daily.
7. Almonds
Almonds contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may help support healthy blood cholesterol levels and heart health. They are also high in fiber, plant sterols, and magnesium.
- You’ll need equal amounts of rose and almond oil. Mix them thoroughly, and rub the mixture gently over your chest as a relaxing massage.
- Eat a handful of roasted almonds every day as part of a heart-friendly diet.
8. Fenugreek
In Ayurveda, fenugreek is traditionally used to support cardiovascular health. It has antioxidant properties, and researchers are studying its effects on cholesterol levels and blood flow.
- Boil 1½ cups of water with one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds for about 5 minutes. After straining it, add two tsp. of honey and drink it.
- You can also consume fenugreek seeds daily. Just soak one teaspoon of these seeds in water and let them sit overnight. The following morning, consume the soaked seeds together with the water on an empty stomach.
9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
People with high cholesterol, heart disease, or a family history of heart issues are often advised to eat more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the fats in the blood (triglycerides), and they are valued for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Eat two to three servings of fatty fish a week, such as tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines.
- Vegetarians can eat chia seeds, flaxseeds, soybeans, olive oil, walnuts, winter squash, and tofu.
- The typical dosage of omega-3 supplements is 500 milligrams a day, but consult a doctor before taking them.
10. Meditation
Last but not least, meditation is a habit many people use to relax. It slows down the heart rate and may help lower stress and anxiety, which are linked to a higher risk of chest pain.
- Start by sitting in a comfortable position, and try to relax.
- Inhale deeply through the nose.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth.
- In the meantime, focus your thoughts on something happy.
- Continue for as long as it feels comfortable.
Gentle stretches and yoga every day may also support your heart health.
More Tips
- Inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth. This helps your body relax.
- A glass of pomegranate juice is a popular addition to a heart-friendly diet.
- Consult your doctor before taking a Coenzyme Q10 supplement, which some people use to support heart health.
- Use extra-virgin olive oil in your cooking as part of a balanced diet.
- Since swallowing air can provoke chest discomfort, make sure you eat in a slow and relaxed manner.
- Cold can trigger muscular reflexes that may cause pain in the chest, so avoid extremely cold places.
- Eat nutritious and well-balanced meals high in folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and other nutrients.
- Chest pain can be brought on and made worse by strenuous activities, so ask your doctor which level of activity is safe for you.
- Avoid situations that make you stressed and upset, as stress can make chest pain worse.
- Overweight people should try to lose some weight.
- Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol.
- Stop smoking.
- Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control with a proper diet and the medicine your doctor prescribes.
If your symptoms don’t go away after several minutes, even after you have taken your medicine, call emergency services right away, since they could indicate a heart attack.
Via Top 10 Home Remedies | Very Well Health | Healthline | NCBI
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.