I later told one of my friends (a nurse) who said that her husband (a physician) had high cholesterol but he didn’t want to take statins because of the side effects. They discussed the cinnamon and decided to try it as he had nothing to lose. At the time he was also having terrible bouts of angina and ate nitro pills by the handful. The pain was so severe that his wife also had to give him injections of pain killers just to relieve the pain. Both the nitro and pain medication were prescribed by their primary care physician.

After taking the cinnamon every day for three months, his wife wrote to me to tell me that he had not had a single angina attack in over two weeks. I asked him, since he is a physician, if he thought the cinnamon played a role and he said he thought it had to be because he hadn’t changed anything else. I don’t know if his cholesterol dropped, but I knew I had to write you to tell you.

I don’t believe it will help every one, but since it is harmless, I hope you will print my letter in the hopes of helping others. We use one 1000 mg capsule daily. I get mine for about $4 for 100 pills at a local drug store.

DEAR READER:
I had not heard of this “side effect” of cinnamon therapy. I am printing your letter for reader interest.

My personal experience with cinnamon to lower cholesterol was not successful, nor was it for several of my patients. However, many of my readers have had dramatic reductions in their levels. Some use cinnamon capsules, others use ground cinnamon from the baking aisle of grocery stores. Still others say only true cinnamon works as most products labeled as cinnamon are really cassia, a cinnamon-like spice. Some feel it doesn’t matter whether it is cassia or cinnamon, but rather what the dosage is, endorsing sprinkling a teaspoon on food one to three times a day being better than one large or several small doses a day. In the end, what works for one doesn’t work for everyone and it is simply a matter of trial and error to find what works best for you.

As for the angina connection, I am intrigued — especially because it worked for a physician. As you may know, we doctors are notoriously difficult to treat and to convince of anything. Before using any supplement, I recommend discussing it with your personal physician to ensure it is safe and will not interact with any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you might be taking.

When I receive a number of responses, either negative or positive, I will be sure to write a follow-up.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Coronary Artery Disease”, “Compelling Home Remedies” and “Understanding Cholesterol”. Other readers would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

My 17-year-old daughter and I were hiking recently. She jogged ahead of me while I walked. I eventually caught up to her and she was standing there not looking “quite right”. Her color was off and she said she had a headache and that her jaw hurt. Because I had read your column, I asked her if this had occurred before and she said it happens every time she runs, uses a treadmill or dances. Nothing has been detected by her physician during her regular check-ups but I am still concerned. Is she too young to have heart problems? Should she see a cardiologist? Please help out this concerned mother.

DEAR READER:
Angina pectoris is usually caused by a lack of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This pain generally occurs at times of exercise, emotional stress, extreme temperature variations and so forth. During these times the heart rate increases but is under strain because it cannot receive proper nutrients to keep up its workload. The most common reason the heart does not receive enough blood is that the vessels and arteries are narrowed or constricted, often due to plaque buildup or coronary artery spasm. Rarely it can be caused by a blood clot.

The most common symptom of angina is chest pain or pressure. Others include arm, neck, back, throat or jaw/tooth pain. Symptoms of angina do not occur above the ears or below the belly button.

Testing and checkups may not reveal a problem unless an attack is in progress.

Despite your daughter’s young age and good health, she fits the symptoms of angina despite her age and general good health. I urge you to take her to a cardiologist for testing. This will most likely include a stress test that will analyze her heart function during exertion and should provide the answer to whether her heart is the problem.

The good news in this situation is that angina is treatable with lifestyle modifications, medications and more. Start with her family doctor who can recommend an appropriate cardiologist or may even be able to order the testing.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Coronary Artery Disease” and “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).