Angina

Understanding Angina and Its Causes?

Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This is usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). Other factors that can trigger angina include:

• Physical exertion
• Emotional stress
• Cold temperatures
• Heavy meals
• Smoking

Symptoms of Angina?

Angina symptoms can vary but commonly include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or burning sensation)
• Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Nausea or sweating

Symptoms typically last a few minutes and may improve with rest or medication.

Types of Angina?

• Stable angina – Occurs predictably during physical activity or stress and subsides with rest or nitroglycerin
• Unstable angina – Sudden and unpredictable, occurs even at rest, and may indicate an impending heart attack
• Variant (Prinzmetal’s) angina – Caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries, often occurring at rest or during sleep
• Microvascular angina – Involves small blood vessels rather than major coronary arteries, leading to chest pain without significant blockages

Diagnosis of Angina?

To diagnose angina, doctors may recommend:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart activity
• Stress testing to observe heart function under exertion
• Coronary angiography to detect blocked arteries
• Blood tests to check for heart damage markers

Treatment Options for Angina?

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and improving heart health:

• Medications – Nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, aspirin, or cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Lifestyle changes – Quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management
• Medical procedures – Angioplasty with stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery for severe blockages

When to Seek Medical Help?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or worsens
• Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, arms, or back
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
• Symptoms that do not improve with rest or medication
• Angina can be managed effectively with timely diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical care.