What is Angina ? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

December 10, 2022

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Angina is a sensation of pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest. It occurs when a portion of the heart does not get a sufficient amount of oxygen.

Angina is a symptom, not a disease. When one or more of the coronary arteries become thin or clogged, it typically results in ischemia. It frequently occurs as a sign of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Angina by itself is not life-threatening, but it is an indication of heart disease and might resemble heart attack symptoms.

If angina strikes suddenly, does not go away, or does not improve with rest or medicine, seek medical assistance.

Types of angina

There are various types of angina, such as

Stable angina

Stable angina occurs when the heart works harder than usual, such as during exercise. Normally, it lasts for five minutes.

It has a typical sequence and might last for weeks, months, or even years. The symptoms can typically be reduced with rest or medicine.

Unstable angina

Unstable angina does not have a predictable sequence and usually strikes while you are at rest. Atherosclerosis, which involves a blockage preventing blood from reaching the heart, is the primary cause.

The pain may develop with time and last for more than five minutes. Medication and rest may not be enough to reduce the symptoms. Unstable angina can indicate a possible heart attack. Anyone experiencing sudden angina should seek emergency medical attention.

Microvascular angina

The coronary microvascular disease can cause microvascular angina (MVD). This impacts the tiniest coronary arteries.

In addition to chest pain, a person may feel:

Tiredness and low energy issues
sleeping issues
Breathing difficulty
Stable angina is more transient than microvascular angina. It frequently goes on for more than 10 minutes and occasionally for up to 30 minutes.
Variant angina
Angina variants are uncommon. Prinzmetal angina, as it is also known, can occur when the body is at rest, typically at midnight or early in the morning.
It takes place when the coronary arteries spasm. Cold exposure, stress, medications, smoking, or cocaine usage are examples of potential triggers. Although the condition is chronic, medicines can help manage it.

How to identity angina?

Symptoms of angina

Any of the following chest feelings can be a sign of angina:

Squeezing.
Pressure
Heaviness
Tightening.
Across the chest, generally beneath the breastbone, with a burning or hurting sensation Frequently, the neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, throat, back, or teeth will all experience pain.

Other potential signs include

Indigestion.
Heartburn
weakness.
Nausea
Perspiration
Cramps
Shortness of breath
These symptoms can last for a while, depending on the type of angina.

Symptoms in females

esides acute chest discomfort, a female with angina, may also experience the following:

Nausea and vomiting
Exhaustion
Loss of breath
Abdominal pain

Treatments of angina

The following measures can be helpful:

Giving up smoking
Controlling weight
Periodically monitoring cholesterol levels
Taking breaks when needed
Exercise on a regular basis
Understanding how to manage or prevent stress
Having a diet full of fresh produce, nutritious grains, low- or no-fat dairy products, and lean meats and other forms of protein

Causes of angina

In most cases, coronary artery disease is the primary cause of angina.

The coronary arteries deliver blood rich in oxygen to the heart. The arteries effectively narrow as cholesterol builds up and hardens into plaques on the artery wall.
Smoking and artery damage are two other factors that raise the risk of plaque deposition.
It is more difficult for oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart when the arteries are narrowed. Moreover, plaques might disintegrate into clots that clog the arteries.
The heart muscle cannot function correctly if oxygen can’t get to the heart through the blood. It results in angina.

Risk factors of angina

Angina may appear as a result of the following:

Stress
Excessive alcohol or recreational drug use
Smoking
Exposure to airborne particles
Low level of exercise
An unhealthy diet
High levels of cholesterol
Obesity or excess weight
Genetics
Heart disease, diabetes, low blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and anaemia are all a few examples of the conditions
Specific medical procedures and treatments

Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis is crucial since it can indicate whether a heart attack is likely to occur. The doctor might suggest one or more of the following tests if they think the problem is angina:

Blood tests.to measure levels of sugar, protein, fat, and cholesterol
An Electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor heartbeat electrical activity and identify any oxygen lacking
A stress test that includes moving around, checking your blood pressure, and getting your EKG
A nuclear stress test to look for changes in the heart’s blood flow during exercise
An X-ray of the chest to see the internal organs
Using dye and unique X-rays, coronary angiography reveals the interior of the coronary arteries.

Prevention of angina

The following measures can help avoid angina:

First, having a varied, nourishing diet, and being “heart-healthy.”
Avoid or give up smoking
Exercise on a regular basis
Practice stress management techniques
Cardiovascular disease and other symptoms of metabolic syndromes, such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, should be treated consistently and effectively in people.