Angina pectoris refers to the sensation of chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow rich in oxygen to a part of the heart. It can be a symptom of coronary artery disease, although it may also result from other causes. Read on to learn more.

Types of Angina Pectoris

There are several types of angina, including:

1. Stable Angina

• The most common type of angina.
• Occurs when the heart works harder than usual, such as during exercise.
• Chest pain usually lasts about 5 minutes.
• Symptoms can be relieved with rest or medications like nitroglycerin, which dilates arteries and veins.

1. Unstable Angina

• This type is usually severe and occurs suddenly, even at rest.
• The pain lasts longer, often 20 minutes or more, and does not go away with rest or medication.
• It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, as it may indicate an impending heart attack.

1. Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina)

• Not caused by coronary artery disease but by spasms in the heart’s arteries.
• The spasm temporarily reduces blood flow.
• Severe chest pain is a hallmark symptom and often occurs at rest or during the night in cycles.
• Angina medications can help alleviate the pain.

1. Microvascular Angina

• Causes chest pain without blockage in the coronary arteries.
• Pain results from poor function of the small blood vessels supplying the heart, arms, and legs.
• This type is more common in women.

Causes of Angina Pectoris

Angina occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart caused by various coronary artery problems, such as:

• Coronary artery disease
• Small vessel disease
• Coronary artery spasms

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of heart problems and angina, including:

• A diet high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Chronic stress
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Family history of early heart disease
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke
• Smoking
• Infections
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Advancing age

Symptoms of Angina Pectoris

The primary symptom of angina is a sensation of pain, heaviness, or pressure in the chest. Additional symptoms may include:

• Pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Nausea

Diagnosis of Angina Pectoris

During the visit, the doctor will review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. The diagnosis is often based on the symptoms, their timing, and how they occur. Some diagnostic tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity and helps detect arrhythmias or heart muscle damage.
• Stress Test: Monitors the heart’s electrical activity during physical exertion, such as walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, while breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate are monitored.
• X-Ray: Provides images of the heart and lungs to determine if other conditions are causing chest pain or if the heart is enlarged.
• Cardiac MRI: Measures blood flow to the heart muscle.
• CT Coronary Angiography: Assesses the amount of calcium and plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries and shows blood flow through the coronary arteries.

Treatment of Angina Pectoris

The treatment focuses on addressing the underlying heart condition causing the chest pain. It aims to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce chest pain complications. Below are some treatment options:

• Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthy habits such as eating low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar foods, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
• Angina medications: To relieve symptoms and prevent episodes.
• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications: To reduce the risk of blood clots forming in blood vessels.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol medications: To manage associated risk factors.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery: Redirects blood around blocked or narrowed arteries.
• Angioplasty and stent placement: Opens blocked arteries and improves blood flow.

Conclusion

Angina pectoris is a warning sign of a potential heart problem that requires serious attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness. It is essential to consult a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.