Angina refers to the chest pain and discomfort that occurs when the heart muscles do not receive enough oxygenated blood.
This condition may be an indication that an individual is suffering from a serious underlying condition such as coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with angina.
: Causes of Angina
The primary cause of angina is restricted blood flow to the heart muscles due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries supply the heart muscles with blood, oxygen, and nutrients required for their functioning.
If these blood vessels become clogged, narrowed or damaged, the blood flow to the heart gets reduced, and the heart muscles cannot function properly, leading to chest pain and discomfort.
Coronary artery narrowing can occur due to cholesterol buildup, deposition of plaque inside the blood vessels, or spasms of the arteries that supply the heart muscles. Apart from these structural changes, other factors that cause angina include:.
- Exercise or physical exertion
- Extreme emotional stress or anxiety
- Extreme temperatures
- Heavy meals
: Symptoms of Angina
The primary symptom of angina is a feeling of tightness, squeezing, or pressure in the chest. The severity and duration of the pain may vary from individual to individual.
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Some may experience mild discomfort, while others may feel intense pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back. Other symptoms of angina may include:.
- Breathlessness or shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Fatigue or weakness
It is vital to seek immediate medical attention if the chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes, the discomfort spreads to the jaw, arms, or back, or if symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or extreme sweating accompany the pain.
: Risk Factors of Angina
Several factors increase the risk of developing angina. These factors include:.
- Age: People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing angina.
- Family history: If angina runs in the family, the risk of developing this condition increases.
- Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease, and hence, it also increases the risk of angina.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension puts extra pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and harden, leading to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood can lead to the accumulation of plaque inside the blood vessels, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease and angina because high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk of angina.
It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and managing stress, to reduce the risk of angina and other heart-related diseases.
Overall, angina is a severe condition and may indicate underlying heart disease. It is crucial to seek medical attention if the symptoms are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of developing angina.
