Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries (coronary artery disease). It serves as a critical warning sign of potential heart problems.
Causes and Triggers
- Reduced oxygen supply to the heart due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
- Increased demand during physical exertion, stress, or cold temperatures
- Risk factors: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol
Symptoms of Angina
- Chest pressure, tightness, or squeezing pain (often behind the breastbone)
- Pain radiating to the arms (usually left), neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue (especially in women)
Types of Angina
- Stable Angina
- Predictable, triggered by exertion or stress
- Relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
- Unstable Angina
- Occurs unpredictably, even at rest
- Higher risk of progressing to a heart attack
- Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina
- Caused by coronary artery spasms
- Often occurs at rest
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic Tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Stress testing
- Coronary angiography
Treatment Options:
✔ Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
✔ Medications (nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, statins)
✔ Procedures (angioplasty with stenting, bypass surgery)
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical help if:
- Chest pain lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Symptoms worsen or don’t improve with rest/nitroglycerin
- Accompanied by sweating, dizziness, or fainting
Prevention and Long-Term Management
- Control risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
- Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation for supervised recovery
