What foods get rid of angina? A guide to managing chest pain with diet

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, following a heart-healthy diet is crucial for managing risk factors for coronary heart disease, the underlying cause of angina. Understanding what foods get rid of angina symptoms, and help improve overall heart health, can empower individuals to take control of their well-being.

Quick Summary

Managing angina symptoms involves a diet emphasizing heart-healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and restricting saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars.

Key Points

Increase Nitrate Intake: Leafy greens like spinach and arugula convert to nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
Embrace Omega-3s: Fatty fish such as salmon and plant sources like walnuts are rich in omega-3s, which can lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation.
Boost Fiber Intake: Whole grains, beans, and lentils are high in fiber, which helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and prevents arterial plaque buildup.
Minimize Sodium: Reducing salt intake by using herbs and spices instead is crucial for managing blood pressure, a key factor in angina.
Limit Unhealthy Fats: Reduce your consumption of saturated fats found in fatty meats and full-fat dairy, replacing them with heart-healthy unsaturated fats like olive oil.
Avoid Processed Foods: Packaged and processed foods are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar, all of which are detrimental to heart health and angina management.

The Role of a Heart-Healthy Diet in Angina Management

Angina, often described as a squeezing or pressure in the chest, is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. While no food can instantly "get rid of" an angina episode, adopting a heart-healthy diet is a cornerstone of managing the condition long-term and preventing its progression. A balanced eating plan, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet, focuses on improving blood vessel function, lowering cholesterol, and managing blood pressure. By doing so, it addresses the root causes of angina.

Nitrate-Rich Vegetables for Improved Blood Flow

Leafy green vegetables are packed with dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This molecule helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing arterial stiffness. This can be particularly beneficial for people with angina. Examples of excellent nitrate sources include:

Spinach
Arugula (rocket)
Beetroot and beetroot juice
Celery
Lettuce
Bok choy

The Power of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats known for their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to lower triglycerides. For those with angina, omega-3s can help reduce the risk of heart rhythm disorders and slow the growth of plaque in the arteries. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of oily fish per week for heart health.

Oily fish sources:

Salmon
Mackerel
Sardines
Trout

Plant-based sources:

Walnuts
Flaxseeds
Chia seeds

Fiber-Rich Foods and Cholesterol Control

High-fiber foods, especially whole grains, beans, and lentils, play a significant role in lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol. Fiber helps bind cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its reabsorption. This reduces plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the arteries, a major cause of angina.

Excellent fiber sources:

Oatmeal
Brown rice and quinoa
Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans
Almonds and other nuts

Minimizing Unhealthy Fats, Sodium, and Sugar

Just as important as adding healthy foods is limiting those that can worsen heart disease. Saturated and trans fats contribute to high cholesterol, while excess sodium raises blood pressure. High sugar intake can also negatively impact heart health, especially for diabetics.


Nutrient Type	Foods to Prioritize	Foods to Limit/Avoid
Fats	Olive oil, Avocado oil, Nuts, Seeds	Butter, Lard, Processed meats, Coconut/Palm oil
Proteins	Oily fish, Lean poultry, Beans, Lentils, Tofu	Fatty cuts of red meat, Processed meats
Grains	Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)	Refined grains (white bread, white rice)
Sodium	Fresh foods, Herbs and spices	Canned soups, Pre-made meals, Processed snacks

Herbs, Spices, and Antioxidants

Some spices and herbs offer anti-inflammatory benefits that support overall cardiovascular health. Spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric have compounds believed to reduce inflammation and blood pressure. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) can help protect against oxidative stress that contributes to heart issues. Using herbs and spices to flavor food instead of salt is another heart-healthy swap.

For more information on adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, visit the NHLBI's Heart-Healthy Living page.

Conclusion: A Lifestyle Approach to Managing Angina

While diet alone cannot completely get rid of angina, it is a powerful tool for managing symptoms and slowing the progression of coronary artery disease. By focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods—like leafy greens, fatty fish, whole grains, and legumes—and limiting processed foods high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar, you can significantly improve your cardiovascular health. This dietary strategy, combined with other lifestyle changes like exercise and stress reduction, is essential for anyone living with angina. Always consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, diet cannot instantly stop an angina attack. Angina is a symptom of underlying heart disease. A heart-healthy diet is a long-term strategy for managing the condition and reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms.

The Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets are highly recommended. They focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and sugar.

No. The nitrates naturally found in vegetables are beneficial for heart health, especially leafy greens like spinach and arugula. Nitrates added to processed meats like bacon and deli meat are less healthy and often associated with high sodium levels.

Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which is a major cause of angina. By lowering cholesterol, whole grains can help reduce this risk.

High sodium intake contributes to high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart and arteries. Limiting sodium helps manage blood pressure, reducing the risk of angina attacks.

No, you should focus on eating healthy, unsaturated fats in moderation rather than avoiding all fats. Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado can improve cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk.

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may benefit heart health. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content and potential sugar.