Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when there is a decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. It is typically a symptom of an underlying heart condition such as coronary artery disease.

This visual guide covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of angina.

What Causes Angina?

Angina is caused by a reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This reduced blood flow is usually due to the narrowing or blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with blood.

The most common cause of coronary artery disease is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of Angina

The classic symptom of angina is a tight, squeezing, or burning pain in the chest, often described as feeling like a heavy weight on the chest. The pain may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

Other symptoms of angina can include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, and fatigue.

Diagnosis of Angina

Angina is typically diagnosed based on a physical exam, medical history, and a variety of tests. These tests can include an electrocardiogram (ECG), a stress test, a coronary angiogram, and blood tests.

The goal of these tests is to identify the underlying cause of the angina and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment of Angina

Treatment of angina may include lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress can help prevent angina.

Medications such as nitroglycerin, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers can help relieve the symptoms of angina. Medical procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the heart.

Prevention of Angina

There are several steps that can be taken to help prevent angina. These include:.

Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Reducing stress
Treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes

When to See a Doctor

If you experience chest pain or other symptoms of angina, it is important to seek medical attention right away. While angina is not typically life-threatening, it can be a sign of a more serious heart condition that requires immediate treatment.

Angina vs. Heart Attack

It is important to note that angina and a heart attack are not the same thing.

While angina is a symptom of a reduced blood flow to the heart, a heart attack occurs when there is a complete blockage of one of the coronary arteries, causing permanent damage to the heart muscle. The symptoms of a heart attack are similar to those of angina, but they are typically more severe and last longer.

Conclusion

Angina is a type of chest pain that is caused by a reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is typically a symptom of an underlying heart condition such as coronary artery disease.

Treatment of angina may include lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures, depending on the underlying cause. It is important to seek medical attention right away if you experience chest pain or other symptoms of angina.