Angina pectoris is the disease the main symptoms of which are a short-lived chest pain that radiates to the left shoulder, arm and sometimes all the way down to the pinky finger. Those episodes occur as a result of the increased heart’s demand for oxygen. If this demand is beyond the ability of the body oxygen supply system, the heart muscle “myocardium” experiences a deficiency of oxygen delivered through the coronary vessels. The insufficient resource of oxyhemoglobin in the blood delivered to the myocardium usually happens due to constrictions or spasm of the coronary arteries. 

Pathophysiology of angina pectoris

Myocardial ischemia aka Angina pectoris happens when the heart’s demand for oxygen exceeds the supply. The heart is the only muscle organ in the body that never rests and works non-stop during the lifetime. Like any other muscle, myocardium needs energy supply in the form of oxygen normally delivered in the form of oxyhemoglobin by the coronary arteries. There are numerous of reasons why myocardium may experience a deficiency of the oxygen, and first of all, it may happen if an individual is suffering from anemia and blood is poor on RBC, which contains oxyhemoglobin. If however the anemia is ruled out the Angina pectoris may result from the following pathological conditions:

• Tapering of the coronary vessels as a result of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis;
• Coronary contraction;
• Valvular heart defects – congenital or as a result of other chronic illnesses;
• Chronic High blood pressure;
• Hypertension in the arteries of lungs aka pulmonary hypertension.

Triggers that may cause an episode of angina pectoris:

• Overeating
• Physical exercises
• Acute stress
• Exposure to cold
• Exceeding ordinary level of blood glucose especially in diabetic individuals
• Constipation that requires significant straining
• Sexual interaction
• Musturbation
• Micturition

Main Symptoms of angina pectoris:

• Shallow breathing or dyspnea
• Severe pain in the middle or lower fragments of the sternum
• A sensation that the heart is pounding too firm or too quick missing a beat
• Perspiring
• Chest pain with sensation of throat tightening and chocking
• Radiation of chest pain to the left shoulder, arm, and pinky finger.
• Vertigo
• Dimness
• Nervousness
• Palpitation

The symptoms of angina pectoris are similar to symptoms of a heart attack, and the most valuable symptom for differential diagnosis is “fear of death” which presents in heart attack patients. Angina patients have opposite symptom of nervousness and apprehension.

When you see a patient lying in bed holding hands on the left side of the chest, pale with bluish lips, and scared to move – be cautious. More than likely you have a heart attack.

Homeopathic medicines of angina pectoris

Homeopathic medicine is one of the most prevalent alternative medical treatment systems. The selection of homeopathic medication is individualized based on symptoms resemblance and general constitutional properties of the patient. In homeopathic medicine following the rules and principals of the “like cures like” philosophy is the only way of successful healing and curing.

The purpose of homeopathic medicine is not simply to heal angina pectoris but to take in consideration and cure its principal foundation and distinct predisposition.

For customized homeopathic medicine selection and healing, the individual should refer to a competent and well-trained homeopathic physician in person. It is much more complicated to choose the right homeopathic medicine than to prescribe an allopathic drug. It takes much more time and effort; however by the end of the day this determination will award both a patient and a physician.

The following homeopathic remedies more often administered for the treatment of angina pectoris:

Aconite – unexpected episodes of angina with a sharp pain behind the sternum radiating to the left arm and shoulder, pulse big, rapid, bouncing and hard, severe agitation with congested sensation behind the sternum.

Bryonia Alba – you can compare this pain to pins and needles with a scratching component inside the thoracic cage, intensified by any movements, and improved by relaxation while lying on the left side.

Digitalis – feeling that the heart stops, and the heart rate diminishes. Digitalis patients report improvement at rest and deterioration of symptoms on movement.

Lachesis – shooting chest pain, that radiates up to the throat. These patients never wear any turtleneck sweaters. Men hate ties. I will not administer Lachesis if a patient does not complain about bruises that suddenly appear on different parts of a body without any reason.

Crataegus – chest pain radiating to the left clavicle. Pulse is weak and fast, arrhythmia, Fingernails and Toenails are bluish.

Glonoinum – intense palpitation, which radiates in all direction and throbbing in head, torso, arms, and legs.

Amyl nitrate – heart rate is fast accompanied with a sensation of a band around the head; breathing is difficult with the sensation of the spasm in the heart area.

Naja – severe chest pain, radiating to the nape of the neck, heart rate is slow, arrhythmia, trembling and palpitation

Spigelia – sharp chest pain with the feeling of compression behind the sternum radiates down the left arm to about the level of the pinky finger. Acts well in smokers and drunkards

Arsenic album is an outstanding homeopathic medicine for angina pectoris with intense, excruciating chest pain. This pain aggravates in bed especially if an individual is lying face up. The pick of this pain usually takes place after 12 AM and especially between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM.

Cimicifuga – I would prescribe this homeopathic remedy to women only if patient reports sudden cease of heart beat accompanied with intense chest pain. Traditionally Cimicifuga is a medicine for women who have some disorders in their reproductive system. The Materia Medica description of this medicine clearly states: “Cherchez la femme” – a French expression for “look for the woman.” In my understanding of the homeopathic philosophy, this remedy will perfectly fit any forms of angina pectoris in a woman with GYN issues.

Veratrum album – is especially effective when heartbeat ceases in tobacco chewers. This symptom is usually co-existed by the hasty breath.

Lilium Tigrinum – severe chest pain radiates to the RIGHT arm (this is not a typo, RIGHT ARM is a special property for Lilium). Patients report a pounding feeling all over the body with the signs of choking. Considering a constitutional approach in homeopathic medicine, I prescribe Lilium Tigrinum only to sexually oriented women. Yes, this is a very important constitutional property for Lilium – these women love sex and always want it.

Argentum Nitricum – very useful homeopathic drug for patients who report episodes of angina after a meal. Other constitutional properties for Argentum nitricum are very fast speech and sudden cravings for sweets.

Without these two symptoms, I would not prescribe Argentum.

Additional Recommendations for angina pectoris control

I would like to point your attention that angina pectoris is a severe and sometimes fatal medical disorder that necessitates for detailed diagnostic and cautious medical care. Also, the monitoring of patients’ condition during the treatment is essential. In most severe forms of angina pectoris, pharmaceutical drugs may be obligatory. According to my clinical experience, in the majority of cases, it is potential to control the illness without prescription medications and with the aid of homeopathic remedies. However, keeping in your pocket an emergency supply of nitroglycerine is essential.

For more information regarding natural approach to angina’s treatment, and to discuss with Dr. Tsan your medical condition, contact Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic (267) 403-3085