Angina pectoris is the name for a clinical syndrome rather than a disease. It is also known as stable angina. The term is used to describe discomfort or chest pain when the muscle cells of the heart don't get enough blood to properly carry out their pumping function. It is likely to occur when the coronary blood flow is less than is required. Symptoms include pain in the chest radiating to the left arm, breathlessness, palpitation, sweating, nausea, dizziness or fainting, heaviness or tightness in the chest or upper abdomen.
Angina pectoris is due to aggravated kaphadosha. Kaphais an Ayurvedichumour, which is dense, heavy, firm, stable, slow, thick, sticky, wet, clear and cold in nature. Kapha governs all structure and lubrication in the mind and body. It controls weight and formation of all the seven tissues - nutritive fluids, blood, fat, muscles, bones, marrow and reproductive tissues. Kapha (in a balanced state) gives nourishment to these tissues through various micro channels.
However, aggravated kapha leads to production of toxins (ama) in the body. These toxins are heavy and dense in nature and when they accumulate in the weaker channels of the body they cause blockage of these channels. In angina pectoris, ama accumulates in the hridhyavahi channels (heart channels) and cause blockage. Again, due to the blockage of heart channels vatadosha is aggravated. Vata is an Ayurvedic humour which symbolizes air or wind. It is dry, mobile, cool and subtle in nature. Pain is also a symptom of aggravated vatadosha.
Ayurvedic treatment consists of restoring the digestive fire, eliminating toxins from the body, pacifying the vitiated body energies and toning the heart. Diet and regimen adjustments are also advised, emphasis being placed on the avoidance of stress and emotional anxiety. Tension at the mental level must always be addressed when disorders of the heart are present.
