Angina

When your heart isn't getting enough blood and oxygen, the crushing, squeezing pain of angina is typically the result. Usually the pain begins below the breastbone and radiates to the shoulder, arm, or jaw, increasing in intensity until it reaches a plateau and then diminishes. The attack can last up to 15 minutes.

Angina is a direct result of the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries that supply the heart with blood. Like any other muscle in the body, the heart needs blood and oxygen to do its work of pumping blood throughout the circulatory system.

With atherosclerosis, arteries may be wide enough to provide sufficient blood flow during rest, but they can't supply enough oxygen-rich blood when physical activity increases the demand on the heart. Any exertion-climbing stairs, running for the bus, shoveling snow - can trigger some angina attacks. Other cases of angina are not related to physical activity but occur when a small blood clot forms on the surface of a blood vessel's plaque and temporarily blocks a coronary artery. Angina may also result if a coronary artery goes into spasm.

Supplements and herbs

The supplements listed below can all be used together or alone. They can also complement your prescription angina medications; never stop your heart medication without first consulting your doctor, however.

The antioxidant effect of vitamins C and E can help prevent cell damage: Vitamin C aids in the repair of the arteries injured by plaque, and vitamin E blocks the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, the initial step in the formation of plaque. In addition, some people with heart disease have low levels of vitamin E as well as the mineral magnesium, which may inhibit spasms of the coronary arteries.

Amino acids can benefit the heart in several ways. Arginine plays a role in forming nitric oxide, which relaxes artery walls. One study found that taking this amino acid three times a day increased the amount of time individuals with angina could exercise at moderate intensity without having to stop because of chest pain. Carnitine, an amino acid-like substance, allows heart muscle cells to use energy more efficiently, and another amino acid, taurine, may temper heart rhythm abnormalities.

Like carnitine, the nutritional supplement coenzyme Q10 enhances the heart muscle, reducing its workload, and the herb hawthorn improves blood flow to the heart. Essential fatty acids may be effective in lowering triglyceride levels and keeping arteries flexible.

What else you can do

• Eat a low-fat, fiber-rich diet; use canola or olive oil instead of butter.
• Don't smoke and avoid smoky places.
• Learn to relax. Meditation, t'ai chi, and yoga may reduce angina attacks.
• Join a support group. Determine what brought you to this point in your life and what you can do to begin reversing the disease.

How much to take

Vitamin C

1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.

Vitamin E

400 IU twice a day.
Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant drugs.

Magnesium

200 mg twice a day.
Do not take if you have kidney disease.

Arginine

500 mg L -arginine 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
If using longer than 1 month, add mixed amino acids.

Carnitine

500 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
If using longer than 1 month, add mixed amino acids.

Taurine

500 mg L-taurine 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
If using longer than 1 month, add mixed amino acids.

Coenzyme Q 10

100 mg twice a day.
For best absorption, take with food.

Hawthorn

100-150 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to contain at least 1.8% vitexin.

Essential fatty acids

1 tbsp flaxseed oil a day; 2,000 mg fish oils 3 times a day.
Take fish oils if you don't eat fish at least twice a week.

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