Overview

Angina pectoris, or angina, is a chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It occurs when the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood, usually due to coronary artery disease. Symptoms include chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, often radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea may accompany it. Contributing factors include atherosclerosis, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

In this blog, we'll delve into the intricacies of angina pectoris, exploring its symptoms, causes, and risk factors. We'll shed light on the importance of early recognition and appropriate management to enhance heart health. Join us on a journey to understand angina comprehensively, empowering you with knowledge for a heart-healthy life.

What is Angina Pectoris?

Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It typically results from coronary artery disease, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. This condition often manifests as chest pressure, pain, or discomfort and can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.

Types of Angina

There are two main types of angina

Stable Angina: This occurs predictably during physical activity or stress and subsides with rest or medication.
Unstable Angina: This is more unpredictable, can occur at rest, and is usually more severe and prolonged. It may signal an impending heart attack and require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Angina Pectoris

Some of the major tell-tale signs of Angina Pectoris are

Chest Discomfort. Angina typically presents as pain or discomfort, in the chest characterised by feelings of pressure, tightness, fullness or a burning sensation. This discomfort is often felt in the middle of the chest.
Pain Spreading to Areas. The pain can spread to different parts of the body, commonly the arms (especially the left arm) neck, jaw or back. This pattern of pain spreading helps distinguish angina from localised chest pain.
Triggers with Physical Exertion. Symptoms are often triggered by exertion or emotional stress indicating that the heart needs oxygen during these activities.
Breathlessness. Besides chest discomfort, individuals may experience breathlessness during or after exertion.
Fatigue. Angina can cause fatigue with minimal physical activity.
Dizziness. Some people may feel dizzy, lightheaded or have a sense of fainting during an angina episode.
Nausea. Nausea or an upset stomach can occur as a symptom when combined with chest discomfort.
Warning Signs of Unstable Angina. Unstable angina may exhibit unpredictable symptoms that often occur at rest and last longer than stable angina. If you experience these signs seeking attention is crucial.
Silent Angina. Silent angina can sometimes occur without any symptoms making it difficult to detect. It is crucial to have checkups, for health to identify it early. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms is extremely important for intervention and effective management of angina.

Causes of Angina Pectoris

Angina, commonly known as angina pectoris , occurs when there is a lack of oxygen due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The causes of this blood supply are varied. Involve a combination of factors related to the cardiovascular system.

Atherosclerosis. The leading cause of angina is a condition called atherosclerosis, which involves the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques on the walls of the arteries. These plaques narrow the arteries. Restrict blood flow resulting in delivery of oxygen to the heart muscle.
Coronary Artery Spasm. Another factor that can trigger angina is artery spasm, characterized by tightening or narrowing of the coronary arteries. These spasms can occur spontaneously. Be induced by factors such as drug use, emotional stress or exposure to cold temperatures.
Coronary Microvascular Disease. Coronary microvascular disease affects the arteries branching off from the coronary arteries. Although these microvessels are not visible through imaging methods dysfunction in these vessels can contribute to symptoms associated with angina.
Aortic Stenosis. Aortic stenosis where the aortic valve narrows, can impede blood flow from the heart and result in angina symptoms.
Hypertension. When someone has blood pressure (hypertension) it puts strain on the heart causing it to work harder in pumping blood. This constant stress can contribute to angina especially if there’s already coronary artery disease present.
Smoking and Tobacco Use. The act of smoking and the use of tobacco products play a role in promoting the development and progression of atherosclerosis which increases the risk of experiencing angina.
Diabetes Mellitus. Having diabetes mellitus raises the chances of developing diseases, including angina due to its association with atherosclerosis and impaired blood vessel function.
Stress and Emotional Factors. Stress and intense emotional states can serve as triggers for episodes of angina highlighting the link between our minds and hearts.

Gaining an understanding of these causes of angina is crucial for managing and reducing risks.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, angina pectoris, characterised by chest pain or discomfort, arises from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Rooted in causes such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery spasm, recognising symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue is pivotal. Preventive measures encompass lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, while quitting smoking and managing stress are crucial. Treatment options range from medications to invasive procedures like angioplasty. Combining early intervention, a holistic approach to prevention, and personalised treatment strategies forms the cornerstone of effective angina management and overall cardiovascular well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angina Pectoris

Q. What is angina pectoris?
A. Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to conditions like atherosclerosis or coronary artery spasm.

Q. What are the symptoms of angina?
A. Common symptoms include chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, often radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea may also accompany these sensations.

Q. What causes angina?
A. Angina is primarily caused by factors like atherosclerosis, coronary artery spasm, and conditions such as hypertension, valvular heart disease, and diabetes, all contributing to reduced oxygen supply to the heart.

Q. Can angina be prevented?
A. Yes, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of angina. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, stress management, and controlling conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Q. What are the treatment options for angina?
A. Treatment varies based on the severity and underlying causes. Medications, lifestyle modifications, and procedures like angioplasty may be recommended. Invasive interventions aim to improve blood flow to the heart, alleviating symptoms and enhancing overall heart health.

Reference Links

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-pain/angina-pectoris-stable-angina
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/angina-pectoris
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373