We explored the effects of high-dose zinc treatment on angina pectoris, particularly in patients suffering from severe atherosclerotic disease. This study reviewed existing literature and focused on how zinc might help reduce symptoms associated with this condition.
Zinc plays a crucial role in fighting oxidative stress, which is known to be a key player in arteriosclerosis and subsequent angina. Our observations indicated that when patients were given high doses of zinc sulfate, increasing their serum zinc levels significantly, many experienced notable improvements in their angina symptoms.
In fact, 12 out of 16 patients reported better outcomes after treatment. Moreover, it was found that long-term exposure to zinc in the environment appeared to lower incidences of exertional angina, reinforcing the idea that zinc could be beneficial.
We hypothesize that zinc may help prevent the oxidation of harmful LDL cholesterol, therefore slowing down the atherosclerosis process crucial to angina development. Additionally, zinc's effects may relate to its ability to inhibit inflammatory markers, which are often elevated in older adults.