Angina, Heart disease, Angina pectoris, Chest pain, Coronary heart disease
Description : Angina occurs when the blood flow to your heart decreases and is a symptom of coronary artery
Article Details :
What is angina?
Angina occurs when the blood flow to your heart decreases and is a symptom of coronary artery disease. It is also known as angina pectoris or ischaemic chest pain. It can be described as a pain, heaviness, tightness, pressure or squeezing of your chest.
In the United States, around 9.8 million citizens experience angina annually. Black women under the age of 65 years are at the most risk of getting an episode of angina.
Angina can usually be controlled by medications and lifestyle modifications. However, in severe cases, surgical placement of a stent- a tiny tube that props open arteries- may be necessary to improve the blood supply to your heart.
What are the causes of angina?
Your heart muscles need oxygen which is supplied by the coronary arteries to function properly. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where your coronary arteries becomes narrowed by fat deposits which are called plaques, resulting in a reduced blood supply to the heart. There are 3 main types of angina and these include:
- Stable angina: Stable angina is the most common form of angina and is usually triggered by exercises which may be in the form of climbing stairs, walking and physical exercises. These increases your heart’s demand of oxygen. However, as the coronary arteries are narrowed, your heart’s demand for oxygen is not met, resulting in angina. In addition, stable angina can be caused by emotional stresses, heavy meals, cold temperatures and cigarette smoking. It usually lasts for a few minutes and is relieved by rest. It is not a heart attack but may be a sign that you are about to get one.
- Unstable angina: This type of angina occurs even when you are at rest. The pain lasts for a longer time and is stronger. In addition, it is likely to come back again and again. This may indicate that a heart attack is imminent and requires emergency treatment.
- Variant angina: This type of angina is also known as Prinzmetal’s angina. It is a rare type of angina which occurs at night while you are resting or sleeping. This arises due to sudden spasm of your coronary arteries, resulting in temporary narrowing of the arteries, causing severe chest pain.
What are the risk factors for angina?
There are several factors which may increase your risk of developing angina and these include:
- Advanced age
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Stress
- High cholesterol level
- A family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cigarette smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
What are the other signs and symptoms associated with angina?
The other signs and symptoms associated with angina include:
- Nausea.
- Sweating during the angina episode.
- Shortness of breath.
- Light-headedness.
- Fatigue.
- Vomiting.
- Heartburn
- Chest pain that spreads to your shoulders, neck. Arms and back.
There are other conditions or diseases which may resemble angina and these include:
- Acute gastritis
- Anxiety disorders
- Anaemia
- Aortic dissection
- Biliary colic
- Cholecystitis
- Cocaine toxicity
- Coronary artery atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kawasaki disease
- Mitral valve regurgitation
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Panic disorder
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
Making a diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first take a detailed history from you to know more about your symptoms. After the history taking, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to look for signs of angina. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will order some tests and these include:
- Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart. Using the ECG, your doctor may determine if there is any rhythm abnormalities within your heart, any interruption or reduced blood supply to your heart or if you are having a heart attack.
- Blood tests: A sample of your blood be taken to test for certain enzymes which are released when your heart muscles are not getting enough oxygen due to a poor blood supply. This is especially useful during or after a heart attack.
- Chest radiography: This test is done to assess whether your heart is enlarged or if there is water within your lungs which may be the complications of heart conditions.
- Exercise stress test: This test involves your doctor measuring your blood pressure and obtaining an ECG while you are walking on a treadmill or pedalling on a stationary bicycle. This is to assess your heart function while exercising to determine if there is any problem with the blood supply to your heart.
- Echocardiography: This test uses sound waves to obtain images of your heart. This test enables you doctor to assess the blood flow within your heart and it can also be done during the stress test.
- Nuclear stress test: This test is similar to a regular stress test. However, a radioactive Read more