Angina, often referred to as angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain or discomfort stemming from an inadequate oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscle. This reduced blood flow is usually caused by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.

Overview

Angina isn’t a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying heart condition, usually coronary artery disease (CAD). It acts as an alarm system for potential heart issues, and while it might be alarming to experience, it’s the body’s way of signaling a problem.

Different Types of Angina

• Stable Angina (Angina Pectoris): The most familiar type and occurs when the heart is working harder than usual. It has a regular pattern and can be anticipated. Episodes typically last for a short duration and can be relieved by rest or medication.
• Unstable Angina: This is unpredictable and might occur even at rest. Episodes are more prolonged and intense than stable angina, and rest or medication might not always provide relief. This condition is dangerous and requires urgent medical attention as it may precede a heart attack.
• Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina): Caused by a spasm in coronary arteries, it can occur at rest, and even in individuals without significant coronary artery disease. However, this type is rarer than the others.
• Microvascular Angina: This type can be more severe and longer-lasting than the other types. It’s caused by spasms within the walls of the heart’s tiniest arteries. Medications that relax these tiny blood vessels can help.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of angina is chest discomfort. However, the nature and severity can vary:

1. Pain: A sensation of pressure, squeezing, tightness, or ache in the chest.
2. Radiation of Discomfort: Pain can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
3. Shortness of Breath
4. Fatigue
5. Nausea
6. Dizziness
7. Sweating

Causes

The primary cause of angina is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle:

• Coronary Artery Disease: The most common cause, it involves the narrowing of coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits.
• Coronary Artery Spasm: Temporary tightening of the heart arteries.
• Coronary Microvascular Disease: Affects the heart’s smallest arteries and might not involve blockages.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing angina:

• Tobacco Use: Damages the interior of arteries and contributes to the buildup of fatty plaques.
• High Blood Pressure: Damages arteries and speeds up hardening and narrowing.
• High Blood Cholesterol or Triglyceride Levels: Contributes to the buildup of plaques.
• Diabetes: Increases the risk of CAD.
• Age: Men older than 45 and women older than 55 have a higher risk.
• Lack of Exercise: Contributes to other risk factors like obesity and hypertension.
• Obesity: Increases the risk of CAD and diabetes.

How to Avoid It

To reduce the risk of angina:

• Quit Smoking: Avoid tobacco and limit exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: Regular check-ups and medication if prescribed.
• Exercise Regularly: Helps maintain a healthy weight and controls blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, limit saturated fats, and reduce salt.
• Manage Diabetes: Regular check-ups and adherence to medication.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink in moderation.
• Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to cope, like meditation or deep breathing exercises.

When to See the Doctor

Angina signifies an underlying heart issue:

• New or Different Symptoms: If angina changes in frequency, duration, or triggers, seek immediate care.
• Sudden Onset: If angina or chest discomfort suddenly hits you without any discernible pattern or if it worsens, it might be a sign of a heart attack. Call emergency services.