Angina Pectoris Treatments
Angina refers to recurring discomfort and pain in the chest. The term angina comes from the Latin ‘angina pectoris’, meaning squeezing of the chest. This pain occurs when that particular area of the heart stops receiving adequate amounts of oxygen rich blood as a result of blockages in the coronary arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart. These blockages are caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. While angina is not a condition on its own, it is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease, better known as a heart attack.
Angina Pectoris Symptoms
The angina signs and symptoms are fairly easy to pin down. Angina begins in the chest, manifesting in one of the following ways: a sudden tightening in the chest, a squeezing sensation in the chest, a sharp pain, or the sudden application of pressure on the chest. This pain will be felt right under your breast bone. At times the pain may radiate and will be felt through different parts of your body including the shoulders and arms as well as the back and the jaw and throat. Because of this, the angina might also cause a chocking sensation. Patients who suffer angina may also frequently complain about weakness, heartburn, indigestion, cramping, sweating, shortness of breath, and at times, nausea.
An angina attack is usually triggered by stress or following strenuous activity. It usually lasts for a few minutes (between 5 to 15 minutes). The discomfort subsides with a few minutes of rest or after you take the prescribed angina medication.
An angina is not a heart attack. However, it is a symptom of coronary disease which could lead to a heart attack, where the pain is much sharper and cannot be relieved by rest and medication. In case of a heart attack seek immediate medical attention.
Angina Causes
Angina is a result of the shortage in the supply of nutrient rich blood to the heart. This in turn occurs because of a buildup of cholesterol along the artery walls. The buildup then hardens and leads to the narrowing of the coronary arteries. This blockage would eventually lead to coronary heart disease.
Anginas are triggered when the muscles in the heart are over exerted. At such points the heart needs a fresh supply of blood which the blocked arteries cannot deliver. The heart can be over exerted as a result of any sort of physical activity ranging from walking to eating. It could also be triggered due to environmental factors like extreme heat, high levels of pollution, and heavy metal toxicity. It can also rise due to a sedentary and emotionally turbulent lifestyle. This includes mental and emotional stress, chain smoking, and alcohol abuse. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, coupled with little or no exercise, further contribute to frequent anginas.
While these are the most common causes of angina, chest discomfort could also arise from conditions like anemia, heart valve disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or spasms in the coronary arteries
Diagnosis of Angina
In case you suffer from discomfort in the chest or from any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor as soon as possible. You will be asked to undergo a few tests to determine the health of your heart. These tests may include some or all of the following: an electrocardiogram (EKG), a stress test, a chest X-ray, an angiography, and a blood test. Depending on the blockage and your general state of health, the doctor with recommend medication and a set of lifestyle changes (this includes a strict diet, cutting out alcohol and cigarettes, and daily exercise) to ease the pressure on the heart.
