Angina Overview

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, primarily due to coronary heart disease. Plaque buildup on the inner walls of the coronary arteries slows blood flow, making the heart work harder to ensure sufficient blood supply. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, causes the heart to become oxygen-starved, leading to pain in the surrounding tissue. Angina often feels like pressure or squeezing pain in the chest and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and fatigue.

Types of Angina

Angina can vary in severity and duration, with several distinct types:

1. Stable Angina
   • The most common type.
   • Symptoms are predictable and occur regularly after specific activities.
   • Usually triggered by physical exertion and last less than five minutes.
2. Unstable Angina
   • More serious and unpredictable.
   • Symptoms are severe, frequent, and can occur at any time.
   • Previously stable angina can become unstable, potentially indicating a heart attack.
3. Variant Angina (Prinzmetal's Angina)
   • A rare subtype.
   • Occurs in cycles due to a spasm in the smooth muscle of the coronary arteries, not necessarily due to atherosclerosis.

Chest pain may signal a serious condition and should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Diagnosis of Angina

Angina is diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and a review of symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Nuclear stress test
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan
• Coronary angiography (uses X-ray imaging to examine the heart's blood vessels)

Treatment of Angina

Treatment may involve lifestyle modifications and medication:

• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Quit smoking
  • Lose weight
  • Control stress
  • Manage underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)
• Medications:
  • Nitrates
  • Aspirin
  • Anti-clotting drugs
  • Beta blockers
  • Statins
  • Calcium channel blockers

In severe cases, surgical procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery may be recommended to open arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.

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