Angina is a result of reduced blood flow to the coronary arteries. The causes of this condition are only partly known.  What is known is that certain things should be avoided to prevent angina or help reduce its incidence:

• High-fat diets: eating high-fat foods causes atherosclerosis, which gradually lessens blood circulation through the arteries.

• Smoke, both active and secondary:  nicotine narrows artery linings and inhaled monoxide hampers oxygen circulation through the body.

• Hypertension: high blood pressure is a further cause of atherosclerosis and cardiac stress.

• Stress: coronary spasms relate to recurrent stressful situations or to psychological disorders such as depression

• Being overweight.

• Lack of exercise.

• Alcohol intake (no more than 3 glasses of wine a day for women and 4 for men)

        Adding salt with meals increases blood pressure.

• Too much or too sudden physical exercise, especially if it involves the upper trunk (as for example, shovelling snow).

• Temperature extremes are an increased burden on the heart.

The following is recommended to help prevent angina:

• Physical exercise, according to a program supervised by a physician. This may improve cardiac circulation.

• Eating more frequent, but lighter meals spaced throughout the day, rather than three heavy meals per day.

• taking long-term anti-angina drugs as directed by a physician.