Angina, or angina pectoris, is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The symptoms of angina in women can differ from those in men. While the most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely than men to have other symptoms, such as:
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Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdominal discomfort: Women may experience pain in areas other than the chest, which can be confusing and may lead to delayed diagnosis.
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Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
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Nausea or vomiting: Some women may feel nauseated or vomit during an angina episode.
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Sweating: Women may break out in a cold sweat, which can be mistaken for symptoms of menopause or a flu-like illness.
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Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or fatigue, even if you have been resting and are not exerting yourself, can be a symptom.
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Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some women may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
It’s important to note that women can have typical angina symptoms, such as chest pain or discomfort, as well as atypical symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worsening, or persistent, seek medical attention promptly. Angina can be a sign of underlying heart disease, which requires evaluation and treatment.
More Informations
Angina is typically a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain or discomfort.
Women may experience angina differently from men due to differences in how their coronary arteries narrow. In men, coronary artery disease often causes significant blockages in larger arteries, leading to classic symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, known as stable angina. In contrast, women are more likely to have microvascular disease, which affects the heart’s tiny arteries and can cause chest pain that is less predictable and often occurs during rest or emotional stress, known as microvascular angina or cardiac syndrome X.
Women are also more likely to have coronary artery spasms, where the arteries temporarily narrow and restrict blood flow, leading to chest pain or discomfort, known as variant angina or Prinzmetal’s angina.
Additionally, women are more likely than men to have other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to angina, such as acid reflux, indigestion, or anxiety, which can make diagnosing angina more challenging.
The diagnosis of angina in women involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), stress test, coronary angiography, or cardiac MRI to assess the heart’s structure and function.
Treatment for angina in women focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and reducing the risk of heart attack and other complications. This may include lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation), medications (such as nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or statins), and in some cases, procedures or surgery (such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery) to improve blood flow to the heart.
It’s essential for women to be aware of the symptoms of angina and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.