Jayney's Blog

Most of us have, at one time or another, experienced chest pain.  Thankfully, most chest and heart pain is usually due to digestive problems or overtaxed muscles, but sometimes it can indicate a more serious condition. 

It is difficult to distinguish between a heart attack, angina (‘cramping’ of the heart muscle due to reduced blood flow), a strained chest muscle, costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and breastbone) and indigestion, for example – so you should always take heart pain seriously. 

If you experience chest pain of any kind – or any pain that radiates down the left arm, or up to the jaw, and you feel ‘fluey’, sweaty, clammy – or ‘just not quite right’, it is essential to get medical help.  This particularly true for women as we do not always fit the exact diagnostic model of the classical heart attack picture – that of a crushing chest pain, for example. 

Once you know what’s normal pain for you, and your doctor has ruled out a potential heart problem, it is useful to give home remedies a try.  Combining these with a heart-healthy lifestyle may help bring pain relief and maintain heart health.

Lifestyle modification for a healthy heart

Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains and include plenty of fibre.  Good hydration is essential – as is regular exercise, cutting out alcohol and not smoking.

Supplements for heart health

Several supplements have been shown to be of great benefit in supporting heart and circulatory health. It is important to purchase from reputable suppliers and always follow dosage instructions on the packaging.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids may help:

• reduce your risk of deadly heart arrhythmias such as Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
• reduce your triglyceride levels
• reduce the progression of atherosclerosis
• lower your blood pressure

It is best from a health and ecological perspective to source non-fish oil varieties of Omega 3 products – just Google “Vegan Omega 3”.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, which help balance cholesterol and keep your blood vessels healthy. 

According to the world-renowned cardiology centre – the Cleveland Clinic, research shows pomegranate juice may help lessen “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in your blood. It may also help inhibit or decrease plaque build-up in your arteries, which can cause reduced blood flow to your heart. 

At least one study at Isfahan University has found that drinking pomegranate juice helps lower blood pressure.

Capsaicin – an extract from hot chili peppers

According to a 2015 study, published in the respected journal “Open Heart”, capsaicin has a vast range of heart-protective benefits:

• increasing exercise time in people with angina (when applied to the chest area)
• slowing the development of atherosclerosis
• lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome
• reducing blood pressure
• regulating blood sugar
• diminishing the risk of heart muscle thickening 
• promoting weight loss

Current research indicates a dose of around 20 milligrams (mg) of capsaicin capsules daily and supplementing your diet with spicy foods and hot sauce. 

Garlic

Both fresh garlic and garlic supplements have been used for years to fight heart problems.  A study in the Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research has illustrated that garlic extract may help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries and even reverse heart disease. 

Top Tip: look for odour-free garlic capsules to minimise garlic breath!

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance your body makes naturally and is vital for heart health. As you age, your body manufactures less CoQ10. Reduced levels have been linked to chronic heart failure. It may also help lower blood pressure and prevent exercise-induced chest pain. 

Ginger

Spicy ginger exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. 

It helps:

• reduce blood pressure
• Lower harmful cholesterol
• reduce triglycerides
• prevent harmful blood clotting (so use with caution it if taking blood thinners)

Ginger is a highly effective anti-nausea spice – it can relieve both travel sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy. 

Curcumin – from turmeric

According to a 2013 review of clinical trials, published by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, curcumin may help reduce inflammation that leads to heart disease. It can reduce total cholesterol and “bad cholesterol” (LDL) in the body while elevating “good cholesterol” (HDL) – this helps prevent atherosclerosis.