Angina (Chest Pain) Remedies

Angina (Chest Pain) Overview
Angina refers to pain in the chest, arm, back, jaw or shoulder and is an indicator of Coronary Heart Disease. The pain is described as tightness, squeezing, burning or pressure behind the breastbone. The sufferer may be nauseous, sweating, tired or short of breath. Standard heart tests (EKG, stress test, X-rays, etc.) will be used to diagnose the problem. Nitroglycerin is used for pain. Lifestyle changes are needed to reduce heart attack risk. Heart surgery may be necessary.

There are four types of angina:

1. Stable Angina: The discomfort happens when the heart is working hard, is not unexpected and is similar each time. The pain lasts only a few minutes and is lessened by rest or medication. It may spread from the chest to arms, back etc.
    
2. Unstable Angina: The chest pain is unexpected, severe and often happens while sleeping or resting; it may last 30 minutes. Medicine or rest has no effect. Unstable angina may get worse with time and may signal the immanence of a heart attack.
    
3. Variant Angina: This is severe pain that happens while resting or sleeping. Medication is helpful.
    
4. Microvascular Angina: This is the most severe angina and lasts the longest. The pain disturbs sleep, causes shortness of breath and fatigue.

Holistic Treatments for Angina

As you will read below, the most popular home remedy for angina is cayenne pepper. Also, rest, improved nutrition, learning to deal with stress, quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight if necessary and relaxation techniques are helpful in alleviating angina.