Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood flow and oxygen.

While often due to coronary artery disease, angina can also be caused by increased physical exertion, emotional stress, and exposure to extreme temperatures. It’s important to understand the symptoms and risk factors of angina as it can be a sign of an underlying heart condition.

Symptoms of Angina

The most common symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort, which can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or burning. The pain is often located behind the breastbone but can also radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

The pain typically occurs during physical activity, emotional stress, or after a heavy meal and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin medication.

Other symptoms of angina can include:.

Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue
Feeling of impending doom

Types of Angina

There are three main types of angina:.

Stable angina: This type of angina occurs during physical activity or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin medication. It follows a predictable pattern and is not usually life-threatening.
Unstable angina: This type of angina occurs at rest or with minimal physical activity and is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin medication. It is unpredictable and can be a sign of an impending heart attack.
Variant angina: This type of angina occurs when the coronary arteries spasm, causing a sudden decrease in blood flow to the heart. It can occur at rest and is often relieved by nitroglycerin medication.

Risk Factors for Angina

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing angina:.

Age: As you get older, your risk of developing angina increases.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop angina than women.
Family history of heart disease: If a close blood relative has had heart disease, you’re at a higher risk of developing angina.
Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of developing angina.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of developing angina.
High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of developing angina.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing angina.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing angina.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of developing angina.
Stress: Emotional stress can trigger angina in some people.

Diagnosis of Angina

If you’re experiencing chest pain or other symptoms of angina, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and order tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Tests that may be ordered include:.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart.
Stress test: This test measures the heart’s response to physical activity.
Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound to visualize the heart.
Coronary angiography: This test uses dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries.

Treatment of Angina

The treatment of angina depends on the severity and type of angina you have. Treatment options may include:.

Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet and exercise habits can help reduce the risk of angina.
Medications: Medications can help relieve symptoms and prevent further episodes of angina.
Angioplasty and stenting: This procedure uses a small balloon to open up a blocked artery and a stent to keep it open.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This surgery involves rerouting blood flow around a blocked artery.

Prevention of Angina

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing angina, including:.

Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Manage stress
Control high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Take medications as prescribed

Conclusion

Angina is a type of chest pain that can be caused by several factors, including coronary artery disease, physical activity, emotional stress, and extreme temperatures.

Symptoms of angina can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, and feeling of impending doom. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors of angina is important as it can be a sign of an underlying heart condition.

Treatment options for angina may include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty and stenting, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Taking steps to reduce your risk of developing angina, such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and exercising regularly, can help prevent this condition.