Angina, also known as angina pectoris or ischemic chest pain, is a condition characterized by chest pain resulting from inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. This insufficiency of blood flow can lead to symptoms resembling those of a heart attack, such as chest pressure or squeezing sensation. Angina is typically attributed to underlying heart disease, often stemming from arterial blockages or reduced blood flow in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Though angina episodes usually subside relatively quickly, they can serve as a warning sign of potentially life-threatening cardiac issues. Therefore, it is crucial to undertake a thorough investigation to understand the underlying causes and identify preventive measures against potential heart attacks.
In many cases, angina can be effectively managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. However, in more severe instances, surgical intervention may be necessary. One common procedure for addressing arterial blockages is the placement of a stent, a small tube used to support and open up narrowed arteries.
Understanding the nature of angina, its contributing factors, and available treatment options is essential for individuals dealing with this condition and can significantly aid in preventing cardiovascular complications.
Angina Types
There are different types of angina, each with its own characteristics and triggers:
Stable angina
This is the most common type of angina, often triggered by physical activity or stress. It typically lasts a few minutes and subsides with rest. While it is not a heart attack, it can serve as a warning sign of increased risk. Consulting with your doctor is essential if you experience these symptoms.
Unstable angina
Unstable angina can occur even at rest or during minimal physical activity. The pain is often intense and prolonged, with the potential to recur. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as it can indicate an impending heart attack.
Microvascular angina
In this type of angina, chest pain arises despite the absence of a coronary artery blockage. Rather, it occurs due to dysfunction in the smallest coronary arteries, leading to inadequate blood supply to the heart. The chest pain associated with microvascular angina typically exceeds 10 minutes and is more prevalent in women.
Prinzmetal’s angina (variant angina)
This rare type of angina may occur during nighttime or periods of rest. It involves a sudden constriction or narrowing of the heart arteries, resulting in severe pain. Seeking prompt medical treatment is imperative if you experience symptoms of Prinzmetal’s angina.
Angina Symptoms
- Aching
- Burning
- Discomfort
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Feeling of fullness in your chest
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Squeezing
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
Angina Causes
Angina usually happens because of heart disease. A fatty substance called plaque builds up in your arteries, blocking blood flow to your heart muscle. This forces your heart to work with less oxygen, which causes pain. You may also have blood clots in the arteries of your heart, which can cause heart attacks.
Less common causes of chest pain include:
- A blockage in a major artery of your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- An enlarged or thickened heart (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
- Narrowing of a valve in the main part of your heart (
- Swelling of the sac around your heart (pericarditis)
- Tearing in the wall of your aorta, the largest artery in your body (aortic dissection)
Angina Risk Factors
Some things about you or your lifestyle could put you at a higher risk of angina, including:
- Older age
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stress
- Smoking
- Not getting enough exercise
Angina Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and inquire about your specific symptoms, as well as any potential risk factors and family history that may be relevant to your current condition. Based on this initial assessment, they may deem it necessary to conduct a series of tests to further evaluate your health.
- EKG. This test measures your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm. It is a crucial diagnostic tool used to detect abnormalities in the heart’s function.
- Stress test. This checks how your heart is working while you exercise.
- Blood tests. Your doctor will check for proteins called troponins. Lots of them are released when your heart muscle is damaged, as in a heart attack. Your doctor may also do more general tests like a metabolic panel or complete blood count.
- Imaging tests. Chest X-rays can rule out other things that might be causing your chest pain, like lung conditions. Echocardiograms and CT and MRI scans can create images of your heart to help your doctor spot problems.
- Cardiac catheterization. Your doctor inserts a long, thin tube into an artery in your leg and threads it up to your heart to check your blood flow and pressure.
- Coronary angiography. Your doctor injects dye into the blood vessels of your heart. The dye shows up on an X-ray, creating an image of your blood vessels. They may do this procedure during cardiac catheterization.
Angina Treatment
Your treatment depends on how much damage there is to your heart. For people with mild angina, medicine and lifestyle changes can often help their blood flow better and control their symptoms.
Medicines
Your doctor might prescribe medicines including:
- Nitrates or calcium channel blockers to relax and widen blood vessels, letting more blood flow to your heart
- Beta-blockers to slow your heart down so it doesn’t have to work as hard
- Blood thinners or antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots
- Statins to lower your cholesterol levels and stabilize plaque
Cardiac procedures
If meds aren’t enough, you may need to have blocked arteries opened with a medical procedure or surgery. This could be:
- Angioplasty/stenting.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting or bypass surgery
- Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)
Lifestyle changes
You can still be active, but it’s important to listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop what you’re doing and rest. Know what triggers your angina, like stress or intense exercise. Try to avoid things that tend to set it off. For example, if large meals cause problems, eat smaller ones and eat more often. If you still feel pain, talk to your doctor about having more tests or changing your medications. Because angina can be a sign of something dangerous, it’s important to get checked out.
These lifestyle tips may help protect your heart:
Taking regular walks, eating a balanced diet, managing stress levels, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking are all essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your overall cardiovascular well-being.
APOMUDEN 
Leave a comment