Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood flow, usually due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries. This narrowing is often caused by a buildup of plaque—a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances—that accumulates on the inner walls of the arteries.
The main symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can vary in intensity and may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or a tightness in the chest. It is often described as feeling like someone is standing on your chest. The pain may also radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arm, particularly the left arm.
Other symptoms of angina can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Sweating
These symptoms are often triggered by physical exertion, stress, cold weather, or after eating a heavy meal. The pain usually lasts for a few minutes and is relieved by rest or medication, such as nitroglycerin, which helps dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
It’s important to note that angina is a warning sign that you may be at risk for a heart attack. If you experience chest pain or other symptoms of angina, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can perform tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan to help manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications.
More Informations
Certainly! Angina is classified into two main types: stable angina and unstable angina.
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Stable Angina: This is the most common type of angina. It occurs when the heart is working harder than usual, such as during physical activity or emotional stress. The pain is predictable and usually subsides with rest or medication. The frequency, duration, and intensity of stable angina episodes remain relatively stable over time.
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Unstable Angina: This type of angina is more serious and unpredictable. The pain may occur at rest or with minimal physical exertion and is usually more severe and prolonged than stable angina. Unstable angina is a sign that the heart is not getting enough blood flow and may be a precursor to a heart attack. It requires immediate medical attention.
Risk factors for angina include:
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke damages the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries).
- High blood pressure: Increases the workload on the heart and can damage the coronary arteries over time.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
- Diabetes: Increases the risk of developing heart disease.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts strain on the heart and increases the risk of developing other risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Family history: If a close family member has or had heart disease, you may be at increased risk.
- Age: The risk of angina increases with age, especially for men over 45 and women over 55.
Diagnosis of angina is usually based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, coronary angiography, or coronary CT angiography.
Treatment for angina aims to relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. This may include lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly), medications (such as nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or statins), and in some cases, procedures (such as angioplasty or bypass surgery) to improve blood flow to the heart.
Managing angina and its risk factors is important for reducing the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.