Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, causing chest pain or discomfort. Angina is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying heart condition, usually coronary artery disease (CAD). When fatty deposits called plaque narrow or block the arteries that supply blood to the heart, this is called CAD. Angina can be a warning sign of a heart attack or stroke, so it's important to seek medical attention if it occurs.
Causes of angina
Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can result in angina, which can be caused by a variety of factors.
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Your heart needs oxygen and nutrients when you exercise or do any activity that increases your heart rate and blood pressure. When your coronary arteries become narrow or blocked, they cannot supply enough blood to your heart, resulting in angina.
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Emotional stress: When you are stressed, angry, anxious, or depressed, your body releases hormones that cause your heart to beat faster and harder. If your coronary arteries do not supply enough blood, you may feel angina. This also increases your heart's need for oxygen and blood.
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When you are exposed to cold temperatures, your blood vessels constrict, which reduces blood flow to your heart and other parts of your body. If you have coronary artery disease, this can lead to angina.
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If you have coronary artery disease, eating a large or fat meal can divert blood from your heart. This can cause angina or worsen existing angina.
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All these factors can contribute to angina or make it worse if you smoke. Smoking damages your blood vessels and reduces the oxygen in your blood.
Symptoms of angina
Angina is characterized by chest pain and discomfort. The pain may feel like:
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Pressure
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Squeezing
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Tightness
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Heaviness
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Burning
The pain usually occurs in the center or left side of the chest, but it can also spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen. It usually subsides with rest or medication.
Other symptoms of angina may include:
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Shortness of breath
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Sweating
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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Weakness
Diagnosis of angina
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors for heart disease to diagnose angina. They will also perform a physical examination and order some tests to check your heart function and blood flow. Diagnoses of angina often include:
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An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart and can detect abnormal rhythms or signs of decreased blood flow to the heart.
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These tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood that indicate damage to your heart muscle or artery inflammation.
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An ECG and heart rate are monitored while you exercise on a treadmill or bike. This can reveal any areas of reduced blood flow and show how well your heart works under stress.
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Your heart and blood vessels are portrayed in images created by sound waves (echocardiogram), radioactive substances (nuclear scan), or dye and X-rays (angiogram). Using these, you can see how your heart functions and detect any blockages or narrowings in the coronary arteries.
Treatment of angina
Angina is treated to relieve symptoms, improve blood flow to the heart muscle, and prevent complications such as a heart attack or stroke. The treatment options include:
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A variety of medications can be used to treat angina by relaxing blood vessels, reducing heart workload, preventing blood clots, lowering cholesterol levels, or controlling other risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. A few examples include nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, aspirins, statins, and ACE inhibitors.
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A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in your groin or arm and guided to the blocked or narrowed coronary artery during an angioplasty and stenting procedure. The catheter is equipped with a small balloon at the tip that expands the artery and improves blood flow. Stents are small metal meshes that are placed inside the artery to keep it open.
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In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of your body (usually your leg, arm, or chest) and attached to your heart in order to bypass the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. As a result, blood flows to the heart muscle in a new way.
Prevention of angina
In order to prevent or control angina, you need to make some lifestyle changes and manage your risk factors for heart disease. Some of the preventive measures for angina include:
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Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. It also increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Quitting smoking can improve your blood flow and lower your risk of angina.
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Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar can help lower your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight. You should eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You should also limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
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Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and improve your blood circulation. If you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, you can strengthen your heart and improve your blood circulation. You should choose an activity that is enjoyable and suitable for your fitness level. It can also help you control your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Before beginning any exercise program, consult your doctor first.
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You should try to avoid or cope with the sources of stress in your life. You can also practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and massage.
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If you have been prescribed any medications for angina or other heart conditions, you should follow them as directed by your doctor. You should not stop or change your medications without consulting your doctor. You should inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking as well.
It is not a disease, but a symptom of a heart problem, usually coronary artery disease. Angina is a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina can be a warning sign of a heart attack or stroke, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience it. It is possible to control angina and reduce the risk of more serious issues with treatment and lifestyle changes.
