Angina is a type of chest pain caused by the reduction in the blood supply to the heart muscle. It can be either stable (happens during exercise and lasts less than five minutes) or unstable (happens during exercise and lasts more than five minutes but is relaxed during rest).
One of the most prevalent causes of angina is coronary artery disease, which causes constriction of the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. While angina is not the same as a heart attack, it does indicate a higher chance of the latter occurring. Medical assistance must be sought immediately if any of its symptoms are noticed.
What Is Angina Pectoris?
The definition of Angina Pector states that it is a type of chest pain caused by a lack of blood flow to a portion of the heart. With pressure or squeezing in the chest, it can seem like one is experiencing a heart attack. This is also referred to as chemic chest pain or angina pectoris.
To diagnose the illness, the doctor may recommend certain lifestyle adjustments.
Angina usually occurs when something plugs your arteries, or there is not enough blood flow in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart, and it’s a symptom of heart disease. Angina is usually short-lived. Even so, it could be a sign of a potentially fatal heart problem.
Classification of Angina Pectoris
It includes several types:
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Stable angina: This is the most widely occurring type of angina. Physical exercise or stress could set it off. It’s not a heart attack, but it’s a symptom that indicates you are on the verge of one. A doctor must be consulted immediately when it occurs.
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Unstable angina: This can occur while one is at rest or is not particularly active. The pain might be severe and last for an extended period, possibly recurring after some time. Angina indicates that one has a high likelihood of having a heart attack, so it is recommended to seek medical help immediately.
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Microvascular angina: In this type, you experience chest pain but no coronary artery blockage. It occurs when the coronary arteries malfunction, preventing your heart from getting the blood it needs. Chest pain usually lasts longer than 10 minutes. Women are more likely to experience this condition.
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Angina prinzmetal (variant angina): This kind is uncommon. It may occur at midnight while you are sleeping or resting. Your heart’s arteries suddenly tighten or narrow. You have to deal with it because it can cause significant pain.
Symptoms of Angina
The symptom is chest pain. However, it affects people in different ways. You could have:
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Aching
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Burning
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Discomfort
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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A sense of heaviness in your chest
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Pressure or a sense of heaviness
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Vomiting or an upset stomach
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Breathing problems
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Squeezing
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Sweating
Women’s Angina vs. Men’s Angina
Pain in the chest, neck, and shoulders is common among men. Women may have pain in their stomach, neck, jaw, throat, or back. Shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness are all possible symptoms. According to one study, women were more likely to describe the experience as “pressing” or “crushing.”
Risk Factors for Angina
Some aspects of your personality or lifestyle may increase your risk of angina, such as:
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Heart disease runs in the family
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Blood pressure that is too high
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Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol
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Using tobacco to relieve stress
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Insufficient physical activity
Treatment for Angina Pectoris
The treatment is determined by the extent of the heart’s damage. Medicine and lifestyle adjustments can often assist persons with moderate angina pectoris to improve their blood flow and regulate their symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications:
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Calcium channel blockers, such as nitrates, relax and widen blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to your heart.
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Beta-blockers help your heart work less hard by slowing it down.
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To avoid blood clots, blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines are used.
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Statins help to decrease cholesterol and keep plaque from forming.
Conclusion
If one has angina, they can still be active, but they must pay attention to their body. Someone with angina must try to understand what the causes of the angina are, such as stress or strenuous exercise. Try to stay away from things that are likely to irritate it. If large meals cause problems, then smaller meals should be consumed more frequently. If the pain persists, a doctor must be consulted.
These lifestyle suggestions help in keeping the heart healthy:
- Stop smoking as it can harm your blood vessels and raise your risk of heart disease.
- Reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol levels by eating a heart-healthy diet. When these values are outside of the usual range, your risk of heart disease increases.
- Relax by using stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- You should exercise regularly.