Angina: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Angina is a common but serious heart condition that signals underlying cardiovascular issues. It manifests as chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing the condition and preventing complications like heart attacks.

What is Angina?

Angina, medically termed angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The word “angina” originates from Latin, meaning “choking” or “strangling,” reflecting the sensation it often induces.

Types of Angina

Angina presents in various forms, each characterized by unique features:

1. Stable Angina
   • Description: The most common type, occurring predictably during physical activity or emotional stress.
   • Symptoms: Squeezing or pressure in the chest, relieved by rest or medication.
   • Duration: Lasts a few minutes.
2. Unstable Angina
   • Description: More severe and unpredictable, occurring even at rest.
   • Symptoms: Stronger and longer-lasting chest pain.
   • Cause: Often linked to sudden plaque buildup in coronary arteries.
3. Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina)
   • Description: A rare type caused by spasms in coronary arteries, often occurring at rest, especially at night.
   • Symptoms: Severe pain not relieved by standard medications.
   • Demographic: Common among younger, healthier individuals.
4. Microvascular Angina
   • Description: Involves chest pain lasting longer and affecting the heart’s smallest arteries.
   • Triggers: Can occur during rest or exercise.
5. Refractory Angina
   • Description: Persistent symptoms despite medications and lifestyle changes.
   • Impact: Can significantly reduce quality of life.

Causes of Angina

Angina occurs due to myocardial ischemia, where the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood. Common causes include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Plaque buildup in arteries, leading to narrowed blood flow.
• Coronary Microvascular Disease: Affects tiny blood vessels in the heart.
• Coronary Artery Spasms: Temporary artery constriction disrupting blood flow.

Symptoms of Angina

The hallmark of angina is chest discomfort, but other symptoms may vary:

• Common Symptoms:
  • Squeezing or pressure in the chest, often described as tightness.
  • Pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, or back.
  • Shortness of breath, fatigue, and excessive sweating.
• Symptoms in Women:
  • Neck, jaw, or back discomfort.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Stomach pain or stabbing chest pain.

Risk Factors for Angina

Several factors can elevate the likelihood of developing angina:

• Age: Higher risk for those aged 60 and above.
• Genetic Predisposition: Family history of heart disease or heart attacks.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, and obesity.
• Medical Conditions:
  • Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease.
  • Peripheral artery disease and metabolic syndrome.
• Environmental Factors: Cold temperatures and air pollution exposure.
• Emotional Stress and Medications: Certain drugs, such as migraine treatments, can trigger symptoms.

Complications

The primary complication of angina is the increased risk of a heart attack, marked by:

• Persistent chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.
• Radiating pain to other parts of the body.
• Shortness of breath and excessive sweating.

Treatment for Angina

Management depends on the type & severity of angina:

1. Lifestyle Changes:
   • Follow a heart-healthy diet (e.g., the Mediterranean diet).
   • Engage in regular physical activity.
   • Quit smoking and manage stress effectively.
2. Medications:
   • Nitrates: Improve blood flow.
   • Aspirin: Prevents blood clots.
   • Beta-blockers & Calcium Channel Blockers: Manage blood pressure and heart rate.
   • Statins: Lower cholesterol.
3. Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP):
   • A non-invasive therapy using pressure cuffs to improve blood flow.
4. Interventional Procedures:
   • Angioplasty with Stenting: Opens blocked arteries.
   • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Redirects blood around blocked arteries.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate help if you experience:

• Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.
• Worsening symptoms or new chest discomfort.
• Symptoms that don’t improve with rest or medications.

Prevention of Angina

Preventing angina involves addressing risk factors and adopting healthy habits:

• Diet:
  • Consume vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
  • Limit sodium, sugar, and processed foods.
• Exercise:
  • Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
• Weight Management:
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Quit Smoking:
  • Eliminate tobacco use entirely.
• Manage Chronic Conditions:
  • Control diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels.

Managing Angina at Home

• Eat smaller, balanced meals.
• Avoid extreme hot or cold conditions.
• Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
• Prioritize quality sleep for heart health.

Conclusion

Angina serves as a critical warning sign of heart disease. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and risk factors empowers individuals to seek timely care and adopt preventive measures. Lifestyle changes, combined with medical interventions, can help manage angina effectively, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of severe complications like heart attacks.

FAQs on Angina

1. Are angina attacks serious?
   Yes, they are warning signs of inadequate oxygen to the heart and can lead to heart attacks if untreated.
2. Will angina go away?
   While symptoms can be managed, the underlying condition may persist and require ongoing care.
3. Where is angina pain located?
   Typically in the chest but can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen.
4. What foods should I avoid with angina?
   Avoid high-sodium, fatty, processed, and sugary foods to support heart health.

For more insights or personalized care, consult your healthcare provider.