Angina is a chronic condition of the heart which occurs more often in men rather than women. This write-up focuses on the treatment options for this condition and the diet that should be followed by patients.
The heart is one of the most vital organs of the human body. It performs the most vital function of pumping oxygenated blood, which is carried by arteries to other parts of the body. Sometimes, coronary arteries become constricted due to the formation of fatty deposits called atheroma in the inner lining of the arteries. This gives rise to angina. The usual symptom is pain in the heart, mostly while doing some strenuous physical activity or while a person is angry or stressed out.
This condition is further is categorized into stable and unstable angina. The former is said to occur when a person feels acute pain or tightening in the chest region while doing some exercises like brisk walking or climbing stairs, whereas the latter is a more serious condition, where a person has chest pain even while performing very light physical exercise or sometimes even while resting.
Heavy smokers and individuals with a sedentary lifestyle are likely to develop this medical condition. Also, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, and diabetes can give rise to this heart condition. This condition puts one at an increased risk of a heart attack, which is why it’s essential to seek timely medical assistance.
Treatment
A person having frequent episodes of chest pain should immediately consult a physician. The most common methods used to diagnose whether a person has this problem are blood tests, X-Ray, ECG, and echocardiogram. The treatment given to a person would depend on the severity of his condition.
Medications are usually prescribed to people to prevent chest pain. They include aspirin, beta-blockers, potassium-channel blockers, long-acting nitrates, calcium channel blockers, etc. Aspirin helps the blood to flow freely even through narrowed arteries. Taking beta blockers reduces blood pressure, while calcium channel blockers help in widening the arteries.
People who have a high cholesterol level may also be given statins which help in reducing cholesterol level in the body. Some doctors also prescribe medicines that a person can consume while facing sudden chest pain. These include glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), heparin, and aspirin.
If the condition becomes very serious, the person may have to undergo a surgery to correct the narrowed arteries. The surgical procedures that are recommended include angioplasty and coronary artery bypass graft.
Prescribed Diet
Though timely treatment can surely reduce a person’s risk of having a heart attack, it is necessary to follow a strict diet so that the person does not get affected with this problem again. An individual who is being treated, should avoid the consumption of saturated fats and food stuffs that elevate cholesterol levels.
One’s diet should include plenty of fruits, cereals, rice, whole grain bread, vegetables, fibrous foods, etc. Fish is a necessary food item, especially oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. People who are fond of meat should opt for lean meat or chicken. Consuming food prepared by using onions and garlic would be beneficial for reducing the cholesterol level.
Along with proper diet, implementing some important lifestyle changes is also necessary. Smoking should be avoided completely. One must cut down on the intake of alcohol, chocolate, butter, red meat, sugar, and fried foods.
Angina mostly occurs due to faulty eating habits, however, it can also affect a person who is under a lot of stress. It is important to remember that this condition is a risk factor for a heart attack and must therefore be taken very seriously. Treatment at the correct time and a strict diet will surely protect the individual from getting affected with it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
