How to stop my heart from hurting

10 home remedies for heart pain

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1. Almonds

When acid reflux is to blame for the heart pain, eating a few almonds or drinking a cup of almond milk may help.

There is not much scientific evidence to support these claims around almonds. Instead, most of the evidence is anecdotal with people passing on their knowledge or experience to others.

One thing to keep in mind is that almonds are high in fat, which can cause acid reflux. If this is the case, almonds could actually make the pain worse.

However, some research indicates that almond consumption may help with the prevention of heart disease. Though almonds may not stop the immediate pain, they can have a positive impact on overall heart health.

2. Cold pack

A common cause of heart or chest pain is a muscle strain. In these cases, a person can have pain in the chest due to strain from exercise, other activities, or blunt trauma.

In any of these cases, icing the area with a cold pack is a widely accepted method to help reduce swelling and stop the pain.

3. Hot drinks

A hot drink may help to eliminate gas when a person’s pain is due to gas or bloating. The hot liquid can also help boost digestion.

Some drinks may be better than others in this respect. For example, hibiscus tea has been found to have several benefits beyond helping with bloating.

Hibiscus may also play a role in lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol. These added benefits may help prevent heart complications.

4. Baking soda

Another popular recommendation for heart pain is to add baking soda to warm or cool water. The result is an alkaline solution that can help reduce the acid in the stomach if that is causing the pain.

However, a study in 2013 concluded that baking soda may be good to treat heartburn but may have adverse effects on the heart overall.

5. Garlic

Garlic is claimed to be a remedy for chest pain, although there is no science to back this up.

People can mix a clove or two of minced garlic with a glass of warm milk. Instead of drinking the garlic, they should chew the pieces to gain the maximum benefit.

Research has shown that garlic can help to reverse heart disease and reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy meant to help with acid reflux. People claim that drinking it before or after a meal may prevent acid reflux. Though a popular theory, there is little evidence to support the claims.

Apple cider vinegar has minimal side effects, but people taking blood thinner may want to avoid its use, as it can also thin the blood.

7. Aspirin

A person may want to take aspirin if they have chest pain. A pain reliever, such as aspirin, can help alleviate the heart pain associated with less severe cases.

Research also indicates that consistent use of low-dose aspirin may help prevent heart attacks. But aspirin remains controversial due to the increased risk of bleeding.

8. Lie down

When heart pain strikes, lying down immediately with the head elevated above the body may bring some relief. A slightly upright position helps when the pain is due to reflux.

9. Ginger

Similarly to other herbs, ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. More importantly, research indicates that ginger may help to ease stomach issues and prevent vomiting.

10. Turmeric milk

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate pain symptoms in the chest.

Turmeric milk combines about a teaspoon of turmeric spice with a cup of warm milk. The mixture should be drunk before bed to help alleviate pain.

For long-term use, studies indicate the compounds in turmeric can help with preventing heart disease. The spice has also been shown to reduce cholesterol.

Share on PinterestHeart pain may be caused by GERD or acid reflux.

There are many potential causes of heart pain in the chest. Some require medical attention immediately. Others are much more benign and may respond to a home remedy.

Some of the common causes of heart pain include:

heart attack
stable angina
unstable angina
heartburn
acid reflux or GERD
muscle strain
injury to muscles

Heart attacks require emergency medical attention. If a person thinks they may be having a heart attack, they should see a doctor immediately.

Angina, which results from the coronary arteries being clogged or narrowed, may also require medical attention and treatment.

The main concern when chest pain occurs is a heart attack.

People should be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention if a heart attack is suspected.

Symptoms may include the following in addition to chest pain:

pain in other areas of the upper body, including neck, jaw, or arm
shortness of breath
nausea
lightheadedness
cold sweat

Women should be aware that they are less likely to experience intense chest pain than men. They are more likely to have uncomfortable pressure or squeezing in their chest than pain. Women are also more likely to experience the other symptoms of a heart attack than a man.

A person should seek immediate medical attention at the first signs of a heart attack.

Also, a person should not use a home remedy as the first line of defense.

If the pain is new or unusual, people should seek out a medical diagnosis to ensure it is not due to something more severe than heartburn or gas.

Home remedies have a place in the effective treatment of often minor pain in the chest when the cause is known, and it is not a serious condition. On the other hand, any serious cases, such as a heart attack or angina, should be treated immediately by a medical professional.

If a person has any doubt, they should avoid using home treatments and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The home remedies listed in this article are available for purchase online.

Shop for almonds.
Shop for cold packs.
Shop for baking soda.
Shop for apple cider vinegar.
Shop for aspirin.
Shop for turmeric.

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13 Home Remedies for Heart Pain

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Almonds

When heart pain occurs after eating, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be to blame. Both conditions may cause intense chest pain. Many people claim that eating a handful of almonds or drinking almond milk when heartburn strikes eases symptoms.

The evidence is anecdotal and there’s not enough scientific data to support this claim. Almonds are an alkaline food and in theory, they may help to soothe and neutralize acid in the esophagus.

On the other hand, almonds are high in fat. For some people, fat triggers acid reflux. Fatty foods may cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allow acid to flow backwards into the esophagus.

Apple cider vinegar

Drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water before meals or when heart pain strikes is another home remedy for acid reflux. There’s little scientific evidence to show that apple cider vinegar eases heartburn. Still, many people swear it works.

Some people experience acid reflux because their stomach doesn’t produce enough acid. In this case, apple cider vinegar may help by increasing the amount of acid in the stomach. The compound that gives apple cider vinegar its tang is acetic acid. It may help break down food and support digestion.

Apple cider vinegar doesn’t cause side effects in most people. However, it may thin your blood and should be used with caution if you take blood thinners.

Shop for apple cider vinegar.

Drinking a hot drink

Gas is a common cause of chest pain. A hot or warm drink may help rev up your digestive system and ease gas and bloating. Hot hibiscus tea, in particular, supports digestion and heart health. Research shows hibiscus helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides. Hibiscus is generally recognized as safe to consume.

Shop for hibiscus tea.

Apply a cold pack

Heart pain is sometimes caused by chest muscle strain. Weightlifting, a fall, or even carrying a child or a heavy laundry basket may all be culprits. Costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the chest wall, is often the source of severe chest pain. Applying a cold pack several times a day to the affected area may help reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Learn more: What are the differences between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD? »

Home remedies shouldn’t be used as a first-line treatment for chest pain. Any chest pain that’s unusual for you should be medically evaluated.

If you experience persistent chest pain with or without other symptoms — such as nausea, shortness of breath, and sweating — call emergency services immediately. You may be having a heart attack.

Heart attack symptoms may escalate quickly. You should wait for an ambulance to arrive or, in some situations, meet you en route. Emergency services personnel are trained and equipped to handle worsening medical situations that may happen en route to the hospital.

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Some home remedies don’t bring rapid relief of heart pain, but work to improve your heart health over the long term. Lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and not smoking are well-known remedies for improving heart health.

Several supplements can also help keep your heart healthy and strong. The quality of supplements varies, so only buy them from reputable manufacturers. Follow dosage instructions on the bottle to limit your risk of side effects. Supplements include the following:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids may help:

reduce your risk of deadly heart arrhythmias
reduce your triglyceride levels
reduce the progression of atherosclerosis
lower your blood pressure

Omega-3s are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna. If you’re unable to eat two servings of fish per week, you can take fish oil supplements high in omega-3s.

Shop for fish oil supplements.

Pomegranate juice

Adding pomegranate juice to your diet may be beneficial to your heart. Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, which can help keep cholesterol in check and keep your arteries healthy.

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

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

Shop for pomegranate juice.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for giving peppers their spicy kick.

According to a 2015 study, capsaicin may have a wide range of benefits that help protect the heart by:

increasing exercise time in people with angina (when applied topically)
slowing the development of atherosclerosis
reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome
lowering blood pressure
controlling blood sugar
reducing the risk of heart muscle thickening
supporting weight loss

Many studies on capsaicin were done on rodents. More human trials are needed.

In the meantime, current research suggests taking around 20 milligrams (mg) of capsaicin capsules daily and supplementing your diet with spicy foods and hot sauce. Keep in mind that for some people, eating spicy foods may cause digestive problems.

Garlic

Both fresh garlic and garlic supplements have been used for years to battle heart problems. Research has shown garlic extract may help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries and even reverse heart disease.

The downside? Like fresh garlic, some garlic supplements leave your breath smelling less than fresh. If you can’t get past the smell, look for odor-free garlic capsules.

CoQ10

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

Ginger

Spicy ginger is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities.

It may help:

lower blood pressure
reduce cholesterol
reduce triglycerides
prevent blood clotting

Ginger is known for soothing your tummy and reducing gas. It’s also a natural blood thinner, so avoid using it if you take prescription blood thinners.

Curcumin

According to a 2013 review of clinical trials, curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its golden color, may help reduce inflammation that leads to heart disease. It may also reduce total cholesterol and bad cholesterol in the body while increasing good cholesterol. This can help prevent atherosclerosis.

Shop for curcumin supplements.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa sprouts aren’t well-studied for heart health. Still, many people claim alfalfa is a magic bullet for lowering cholesterol. One study found the saponins in alfalfa extract reduced cholesterol and prevented the leaking of liver enzymes in diabetic rats.

Holy basil

Holy basil is a popular Ayurvedic herb. It’s mainly used to battle stress and to prevent stress-related illnesses. It’s also used to reduce cholesterol. Chronic stress may increase cholesterol and blood pressure. Stress may also increase the risk of heart disease if you cope with stress in unhealthy ways, such as overeating or smoking.

Everyone experiences pain around the heart now and then. Heart pain is usually due to digestive problems or overtaxed muscles, but sometimes it can be caused by a more serious condition.

Because it’s difficult to distinguish between a heart attack or angina and bad gas, you should always take heart pain seriously.

Once you know what’s normal pain for you, and your doctor has ruled out a potential heart problem, give home remedies a try.

Although some home remedies aren’t well-studied, most are gentle and unlikely to cause side effects. Combining home remedies with a heart-healthy lifestyle may help bring pain relief and maintain heart health.

Keep reading: Distinguishing types of chest pain »

first aid, treatment and prevention

Tachycardia can be a symptom of a serious heart disease, so timely first aid is necessary to save lives. How to act with an increase in heart rate, when to call a doctor and how to prevent heart palpitations, we tell in the article.

First aid for tachycardia

Normal heart rate (HR) in a healthy adult is 60-80 beats per minute. To calculate the heart rate, you need to put the index and middle fingers of one hand on the wrist of the other and count the pulse rate for 15 seconds, and then multiply the resulting number by 4.

If the heart rate exceeds 90 beats, tachycardia begins. However, not every attack requires a doctor's call. For example, the physiological (natural) causes of increased heart rate go away on their own if the provoking factor is eliminated - reduce physical activity, stabilize the emotional state, stop smoking, etc.

pressure and fear. This condition may stop on its own, however, in some cases, an attack of tachycardia occurs due to a serious pathology (heart or respiratory failure, hypertensive crisis). And then they will be able to adjust the rhythm of the heart only in the hospital. nine0005

Violation of the normal heart rate (HR) can lead to such serious complications as:

heart attack;
stroke;
acute heart failure;
thrombophlebitis;
injuries due to fainting.

An attack of tachycardia for no apparent reason requires a visit to the doctor even if the episode of palpitations has passed on its own

What to do during a tachycardia attack

1
Lie down. This will take the load off the heart and blood vessels.
2
Loosen chest and neck - unbutton buttons, loosen collar, remove tie. Tight clothing restricts breathing, so its pressure must be relieved.
3
Place a pillow under your neck. Throwing the head back can cause circulatory disorders, which is unacceptable in conditions of tachycardia.
4
Supply fresh air. With an increase in heart rate, the body experiences oxygen starvation, so an open window can alleviate the condition.
5
Drink a glass of cold water in small sips. Hot drinks, coffee or strong tea are prohibited, and cold water must not be poured over.
6
Cool the face - for example, place a towel soaked in cold water on the forehead and temple areas.
7
Perform breathing exercises. A cycle of repetitions of slow, deep breaths, holding your breath for 5 to 8 seconds, and slow exhalations can slow your heart rate. nine0005
8
If signs of panic appear, a sedative should be taken.
9
If this is not the first episode of tachycardia, you should take antiarrhythmic drugs prescribed by your doctor.

For tachycardia at a young age, massage of the neck and neck is acceptable. This method is contraindicated for the elderly due to the high risk of heart attack and stroke

When to call a doctor

If the tachycardia is caused by a serious heart condition, the first aid measures described above may not be enough. If the tachycardia does not go away within 15-20 minutes, especially while taking antiarrhythmic drugs, you should immediately call an ambulance. nine0005

Other reasons to call a doctor

Heart rate is 120 beats per minute or more.
Intense pain behind the sternum, which is accompanied by pallor, sweating, fear of death and burning sensation in the left arm, lower jaw or abdomen.
Tachycardia accompanied by severe headache and numbness of the extremities or half of the face.
The seizure occurred during pregnancy.

Prevention of tachycardia

Since tachycardia itself is not a disease, there is no specific prevention for this condition. Primary preventive measures are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, daily routine and good rest - that is, the same as in the prevention of any heart failure.

Secondary preventive measures that should be followed in cases of already established heart disease include more serious lifestyle changes, medical therapy prescribed by the doctor (if necessary, and surgical interventions), as well as regular medical examination. nine0005

What should I do if I have anxiety and chest pain?

With age comes an understanding of what is important in life, and many routine problems and troubles fade into the background, our priorities and values change - what used to make us nervous and worried no longer seems so significant. We begin to appreciate more the moments that we were lucky to spend with our family, the long-awaited trips to nature and nice friendly gatherings. But we suddenly realize that even such pleasant experiences as the joy that the news of the birth of a grandson or the long-awaited news about the successful passing of exams by the youngest son can bring our body out of balance and even cause chest pain, as well as general malaise. It's all because of strong emotions, which even with a plus sign can lead to violations in the coordinated work of some body systems. How to help the body when the heart and pressing pain in the chest are worried? With age, almost each of us acquires a first-aid kit of “our own” medicines, which are designed to help out in difficult emergency situations when there is no time or opportunity to seek professional medical help. Of course, it is important that, if necessary, in such a first-aid kit there is a remedy that can help to cope with a sudden influx of emotions, pressing pain in the chest and normalize the state of the body. In this context, the topical emergency drug is CORMENTOL. It is convenient to use, has a favorable safety profile, and its effect appears within a few minutes after administration. nine0005

The world is beautiful and full of surprises, but our body is arranged in such a way that even pleasant surprises make it group up and be ready for anything. Therefore, joyful events can become stressful for us, which in moderation is even useful, because it allows our body to train and thus prepare for more difficult trials. The reaction to stress is individual for each person, it depends on various factors - gender, age, personality type and other features. nine0005

With age, malfunctions begin to appear in the work of many body systems, we are no longer the same as before, what was once given with ease, now requires great effort. As we age, our ability to deal with stressors may decrease. In this case, a person is faced with various manifestations of maladaptation. People around us begin to notice our nervousness, fussiness, absent-mindedness, and sometimes irritability. And the dream is no longer the same as it once was. And in moments of a surge of emotions, tachycardia (increased heartbeat), dizziness, dry mouth, headache, etc. begin to disturb. nine0005

How to stay calm? Some try to avoid stressful situations, but, unfortunately, this is not always possible, others try to benefit from a difficult stressful situation, others try to cope with the influx of emotions. Today, you can easily find a lot of advice on how to help the body overcome anxiety. Here are just a few of them:

Take a walk - in the office you can go to the cooler for water. You just need to get up from your chair and walk for a couple of minutes at a fast pace. nine0005

Watch your breathing: You can learn some yoga techniques to help you achieve calm and even breathing.

Talk to some pleasant and positive person about topics that have nothing to do with the cause of your excitement.

Unfortunately, working on yourself does not always bring the desired results, especially if you find yourself in the grip of strong emotions (and absolutely unexpectedly). You continue to be bothered by a rapid heartbeat, pressing pain in the chest, general malaise, and the excitement does not want to recede. In this case, various emergency measures will be relevant, including drugs indicated for mild angina attacks, neurosis, such as CORMENTOL. In addition, the drug will be useful as an antiemetic for sea and air sickness, headache associated with the use of nitrates. nine0005

The active substance of CORMENTOL is menthol dissolved in isovaleric acid methyl ester. These active ingredients are known to many as the main constituents of peppermint essential oil. Mint has been widely used in traditional medicine since ancient times and is still popular today. It was used for increased heart rate, abdominal pain, headache. However, science does not stand still and today, thanks to its achievements, we have the opportunity to use active ingredients that were previously available only as part of infusions, decoctions, extracts, separately as medicines that have a calming, antispasmodic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory and other effects. So, menthol in the composition of CORMENTOL has a stimulating property in relation to the respiratory center, suppresses the gag reflex. It is used as part of the complex therapy of migraine, neuralgia and other neurological diseases. Isovaleric acid esters have a calming effect. nine0005

It should be noted that CORMENTOL has a moderate vasodilating effect due to reflex stimulation of sensitive nerve (cold) receptors of the oral mucosa.

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