ANGINA PECTORIS EPIDEMIC IN INDIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CLINICAL FEATURES, DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, AND REMEDIES

The community pharmacist is the globally accepted professional to cater the pharmaceutical care to the patients at the time of dispensing the medicine it self. This will correct the wrong practices in medicine usage and make the patient a partner in his improvement of health. Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Angina is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia. It occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) doesn't get as much blood (hence as much oxygen) as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries (coronary blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) is narrowed or blocked. Insufficient blood supply is called ischemia. Major risk factors for angina include cigarette smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle and family history of premature heart disease. The distal part of the heart does not receive any more blood and individuals will develop chest pain. Initially when the coronary disease is mild the angina will occur during exercise, eating heavy meals, extreme heat or stress. As the coronary disease worsens, the angina will come on with minimal work and may even occur at rest. The first approach in the treatment of angina pectoris is to prevent the progression of heart disease. By addressing the known causes of heart disease, such as reducing high cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure, stopping smoking, losing weight, exercising and eating a “heart-healthy” diet, the symptoms can be reduced. Most people can live a productive life if they make the necessary lifestyle changes. By following medical advice, taking doctorprescribed medication, maintaining a good physical condition and eating well, angina can be controlled. There are also natural alternatives to conventional medicine such as herbal and homeopathic remedies useful in controlling angina without the harsh side effects associated with prescription drugs. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle to use, while at the same time addressing the underlying causes of the condition.