Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It’s a symptom of coronary artery disease and is often a warning sign of an impending heart attack. Understanding angina, its causes, symptoms, and management strategies, is crucial for maintaining heart health and preventing severe complications.

Types of Angina:

Angina is categorized into several types, each with distinct characteristics:

1. Stable Angina: This is the most common type, characterized by predictable chest pain during physical exertion or stress. The pain usually subsides with rest or medication.
2. Unstable Angina: This type is unpredictable and can occur at rest. It signals that a heart attack might happen soon and requires immediate medical attention.
3. Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina: This rare form of angina occurs due to a spasm in a coronary artery. It can happen at rest and is often severe.
4. Microvascular Angina: This occurs when the tiny blood vessels of the heart don’t function properly. It’s more common in women and can be harder to diagnose.

Symptoms of Angina:

The primary symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary, especially between men and women. Women may experience symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Angina is primarily caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, which is usually a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the coronary arteries. Other factors that can contribute to angina include:

• High blood pressure: This can damage arteries over time, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
• High cholesterol levels: Excess cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation in the arteries.
• Diabetes: This increases the risk of coronary artery disease.
• Obesity: Excess weight can increase the burden on the heart and contribute to artery damage.
• Smoking: Tobacco use damages the blood vessels and heart.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise can lead to obesity and heart disease.
• Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing angina involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities.
• Treadmill test (TMT): Monitors the heart’s activity during physical exertion.
• Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart.
• Coronary angiography: Uses dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries.
• Blood tests: Check for markers of heart disease.

Management and Treatment:

Managing angina involves lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, medical procedures.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Quit smoking: Seek support to stop smoking.
• Stress management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress.

Medications:

• Nitrates: Help relax and widen blood vessels.
• Aspirin: Reduces blood clotting, lowering the risk of heart attacks.
• Beta-blockers: Decrease the heart rate and workload on the heart.
• Statins: Lower cholesterol levels.
• Calcium channel blockers: Relax blood vessels and decrease heart workload.

Medical Procedures:

• Angioplasty and stenting: Opens narrowed arteries and keeps them open with a stent.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery: Creates a bypass around blocked arteries using a vessel from another part of the body.

Angina is a serious condition that requires timely attention and management. By understanding the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their heart health. Regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and adherence to prescribed treatments can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and improve quality of life. Always consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of angina or have concerns about your heart health.

To consult a Cardiologist at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.

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