On a sunny afternoon in Central Park, Thomas, a 58-year-old accountant, experienced a familiar feeling. Tightness gripped his chest, an unwelcome yet known visitor. He reached into his pocket, fingers finding the small bottle he had come to rely on. angina

With a quick motion, he placed a nitroglycerin pill under his tongue, waiting for relief. Like a storm cloud, the angina disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. He sighed, a mixture of relief and acceptance. The pill had worked its quick magic, but Thomas couldn’t shake off a nagging question: Was he really out of the woods?

In moments like these, the immediate disappearance of pain can be misleading. Nitroglycerin is adept at providing quick relief, but it is merely a temporary fix, a Band-Aid solution. It doesn’t fix the underlying issues that cause the chest discomfort known as angina. Thomas is a textbook example of how easily we can be lulled into a false sense of security. 

This story of temporary relief is common, yet it overlooks a critical truth. Angina is not just a symptom to be silenced; it’s a crucial warning from our body, signaling deeper health concerns that require attention and action.

What is Angina?

Angina, often described as chest pain or discomfort, is the most common symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD). Approximately 9 million Americans experience angina symptoms.  

Angina occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood, typically due to atherosclerosis, or a narrowing of the arteries by plaque. Angina causes a feeling of squeezing, pressure, tightness, or fullness in the chest. Occasionally, angina radiates to the jaw, back, or left arm.

There are two main types of angina: 

• Stable angina: Occurs during exertion, such as when exercising, walking up stairs, or during emotional stress. 

• Unstable angina: Occurs during times of rest.  

Digging deeper, there are some reasons for angina that aren’t due to narrowed arteries, such as Prinzmetal’s angina, where the pain comes from a spasm in the coronary arteries. 

More common in younger women, this spasm momentarily narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and presenting as pain. Prinzmetal’s angina typically occurs at rest and often during the night and early morning hours. 

Eliminating Angina 

The goal with angina is to eliminate it completely, not just temporarily. The cornerstone of managing angina and improving heart health is a holistic lifestyle approach, which is summed up by the NHD mantra: Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well.  

Eat Well

• Embrace an Organic Wholefood Diet: Prioritize foods that are natural and unprocessed.
• Incorporate Wild Seafood and Grass-Fed Meats: Choose sources that are sustainably caught or raised.
• Include Organ Meats: Rich in nutrients, organ meats are a powerful addition to the diet.
• Load Up on Vegetables, Nuts, and Seeds: These should form the bulk of your diet for fiber and essential nutrients.
• Enjoy Fruit in Moderation: Opt for a small amount of low-sugar fruits.
• Avoid Processed Foods and Harmful Additives: Stay away from foods with added sugars, artificial additives, and processed ingredients.
• Say No to Pesticides, Gluten, and Vegetable Oils: These can contribute to oxidation and the narrowing of arteries.

Live Well

• Regular Exercise: Especially engage in activities outdoors, close to nature.
• Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight is not just about Vitamin D; it also helps produce nitric oxide, beneficial for heart health.
• Prioritize Adequate Sleep: Good sleep is foundational for overall well-being.
• Minimize Exposure to Toxins: Be mindful of mold, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
• Ensure Clean Air Indoors: Focus on maintaining good air quality in your living spaces.
• Chiropractic Care: Get regular adjustments to keep your nervous system running smoothly. 

Think Well

• Mental and Emotional Health is Crucial: Often overlooked, this aspect is vital for overall health.
• Cultivate Healthy Relationships: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
• Practice Meditation and Stress Reduction Techniques: Regular meditation can significantly impact mental well-being.
• Positive Thinking: Cultivate a habit of positive thoughts and attitudes towards life and health.

Supplements: Supporting Heart Health

In an ideal world, we would obtain all the nutrients we need from food. Unfortunately, this is not possible in today’s day and age. 

Heart Beet 

Heart Beet is a heart-healthy, beetroot-based powder created by cardiologist Jack Wolfson. It blends organic beetroot with carrot juices, spinach, and kale, all known for boosting heart health. This easy-to-use powder helps relax blood vessels, regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, and increase energy levels, making it a great addition to your daily routine for better heart function. Just mix it into your favorite drink for a simple, nutritious boost.

Vessel Support

Vessel Support is a powerful supplement to improve heart and blood vessel health. This formula boosts nitric oxide levels, helping improve blood flow and blood pressure. Also, it helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. Mix it with water or a smoothie to support healthy blood flow, better immune function, and increased stamina.

Magne 5

Magnesium, as found in ‘Magne 5’, is another critical mineral for heart health. It helps regulate blood pressure, supports muscle function, and can be particularly beneficial in managing conditions like Prinzmetal’s angina, where coronary artery spasms are involved.

Potassium Boost

Potassium Boost supplements can aid in maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and regulating blood pressure. Potassium plays a vital role in heart function and is recommended as part of a dietary approach to managing angina and other heart-related conditions.

Next Steps

For Thomas, and many like him, angina is a gift – a chance to change the course of heart health before it’s too late. It’s not just a fleeting pain to be silenced with a pill, but a clear message from the body signaling the need for change.

A free discovery call presents an invaluable opportunity for individuals experiencing symptoms like angina. In these consultations, an NHD health coach can listen to your concerns and offer personalized advice, guiding you toward a heart health plan tailored to your needs. This approach is transformative, aiming to treat symptoms and potentially reverse the course of heart disease.