How to treat angina pectoris with traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for angina mainly includes five methods: tonifying qi and promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis and unblocking collaterals, dispelling phlegm and relieving obstruction, warming yang and dispelling cold, and soothing liver and relieving depression. These methods are usually related to factors such as deficiency of positive qi, phlegm and blood stasis, and cold coagulation of the heart meridian.

1. The method of nourishing qi and promoting blood circulation

is suitable for patients with angina pectoris who experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and worsening of fatigue. Huangqi and Codonopsis pilosula are used to nourish the heart qi, combined with Danshen and Chuanxiong to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The commonly used formula includes modified Buyang Huanwu Tang, which is suitable for patients with stable angina pectoris and decreased cardiac function in coronary heart disease. For those with combined spontaneous sweating, floating wheat and calcined oysters can be added. When chest pain is obvious, Yanhusuo and Sanqi powder can be added and taken orally.

2. The method of removing blood stasis and unblocking collaterals

is aimed at the blood stasis syndrome type with dark purple tongue and localized pain. Using red peony and peach kernels to break blood and remove blood stasis, combined with insect medicines such as earthworms and scorpions to unblock meridians and relieve pain. Representative formula Xuefu Zhuyu Tang is suitable for patients with severe coronary artery stenosis. When the pain is severe, it can be taken sublingually with Compound Danshen Dripping Pills. During treatment, coagulation function should be monitored, and women should reduce their dosage during menstruation.

3. The method of dispelling phlegm and promoting rheumatism

is used for phlegm blockage syndrome caused by physical obesity, greasy fur, and smooth pulse. Gualou Xiebai Banxia Tang is the basic formula, with Zhuru and Dannanxing added for phlegm heat type, and Guizhi and dried ginger added for cold phlegm type. Modern research shows that this method can regulate blood lipid metabolism and is suitable for patients with concomitant hyperlipidemia. It is more effective when combined with ear acupressure therapy.

4. Warm Yang and dispel cold method

corresponds to the Yin cold stagnation syndrome caused by cold attacks and limb hypothermia. Cinnamon and aconite are used to warm and invigorate the heart yang, combined with Xixin powder for cold and pain relief. Danggui Sini Tang is suitable for variant angina pectoris, and blood pressure and heart rate should be regularly monitored during medication. Frequent winter attacks can be combined with moxibustion at the Neiguan and Danzhong acupoints.

5. The method of soothing the liver and relieving depression

is suitable for angina pectoris induced by emotional fluctuations. Chaihu Shugan San, with modifications, can regulate autonomic nervous system function. For those with liver depression and fire, add gardenia and baicalensis. For those with obvious qi stagnation, use agarwood and sandalwood to regulate qi and relieve pain. Research has shown that this method has a significant effect on heart X syndrome and should be combined with emotional counseling.

The TCM treatment needs to dynamically adjust the prescription according to the syndrome type. In the acute attack period, it can cooperate with traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Shexiang Baoxin Pill to give first aid. In daily life, one should avoid overwork and emotional excitement, adopt a low salt and low-fat diet, and moderately practice Baduanjin to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Timely electrocardiogram and other examinations are necessary when the condition changes, and the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment is more effective. Strictly control blood pressure and blood sugar, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and pay attention to keeping warm and cold in winter.