Angina (Chest Pain)

Angina (Chest Pain)

It is a type of coronary artery disease that results in chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. Also known as Angina Pectoris, it is also described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest. It is hard to distinguish it from the discomfort of indigestion.

Common symptoms of Angina are:

a.      Pain in the arm(s), neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

b.     Pressure, squeezing, burning, or fullness.

c.      Dizziness, fatigue, or nausea.

d.     Shortness of breath.

e.      Sweating.

Types of Angina:

Stable Angina: Occurs when:

a.  Heart works harder such as exercising or climbing stairs.

b. Lasts for five minutes or less.

c.  Disappears sooner if one rests or uses angina medication.

d. Can be predicted and is similar to the previous type of pain.

Unstable Angina: Occurs when (MEDICAL EMERGENCY):

a.  Occurs even at rest.

b. Change in the usual pattern of angina

c.  Unexpectedly.

d. It is more severe and lasts longer, maybe 30 minutes or more.

e.  Even after resting, on the use of Angina medication it may not disappear.

f.   Might signal a heart attack.

Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina):

a.  Occurs when a person is resting

b. Is often severe.

c.  Maybe relieved by angina medication.

Angina is mainly caused due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Blood carries oxygen which is necessary for the survival of the heart muscles. Ischemia is a condition when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The coronary arteries are narrowed by fatty deposits called plaques. This condition is called Atherosclerosis.

While resting, the demand for oxygen is low. The heart muscle is able to function even with a reduced amount of blood flow without triggering the symptoms of Angina. But while exercising, the demand for oxygen increases which might result in Angina.

Angina in Women:

The symptoms visible in women are usually different from those in men. This may lead to a delay in seeking treatment. Chest pain is a common symptom in women, but it may not be the only symptom or most prevalent symptom. Others are:

a.  Nausea

b. Shortness of breath

c.  Abdominal pain

d. Discomfort in neck, jaw, or back.

e.  Stabbing pain instead of chest pressure.

Common factors that lead to Angina:

1. Tobacco use: Chewing tobacco, smoking, or even passive smoking for many years can lead to deposits of cholesterol and block blood flow.

2. Diabetes: It speeds up the process of atherosclerosis and increases cholesterol levels.

3. High blood pressure: It accelerates the process of hardening of arteries.

4. High blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels: Cholesterol is a major part of deposits that narrows the arteries. A high level of Low – density lipoprotein (LDL) also known as “bad” cholesterol, increases the risk of Angina and Heart Attack. A high level of triglyceride, a type of blood fat, is due to an unhealthy diet.

5. Family history of heart disease: If a family member has had a history of Angina or Heart Attack, the risk factor increases.

6. Older age: Men above 45 and women above 55 are usually at a higher risk.

7. Lack of exercise: Inactive lifestyle leads to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

8. Obesity: If you are overweight, the heart has to work harder to supply blood to the body.

9. Stress: Too much stress and even anger can lead to high blood pressure. Surges of hormones during stress can worsen angina and narrow the arteries.