Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply your heart with blood, which leads to the narrowing of the arteries and decreasing the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can reach the heart muscles. In some cases, the plaque buildup can lead to partial or complete blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or other serious heart conditions.

Angina, which is also known as angina pectoris, is a common symptom of CHD. It is typically described as chest discomfort, pressure, or pain that can radiate to your arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

Angina is brought on by physical activity, emotional stress, or other factors that increase your heart’s workload, and it usually subsides within a few minutes after stopping the activity or using angina medication.

Causes of Angina and CHD

The major risk factor for CHD is atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaque in the coronary arteries. The buildup of plaque makes the arteries narrower, which restricts the blood flow to the heart and leads to angina.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing CHD include:.

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
Diabetes

Angina can also be caused by other factors, such as:.

Coronary artery spasm
Heart valve disease
Heart failure
Arrhythmia
Anemia

Symptoms of Angina

The symptoms of angina can vary from person to person, but they typically include:.

Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or aching.
Pain or discomfort that can radiate to your arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea

These symptoms are often triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, or other factors that increase your heart’s workload. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Diagnosis of Angina and CHD

If you have symptoms of angina or CHD, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They may also recommend several diagnostic tests, including:.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Stress test
Blood tests
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Coronary angiogram

These tests can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the extent of the blockage in your coronary arteries, which can help guide treatment decisions.

Treatment of Angina and CHD

The goal of treating angina and CHD is to improve blood flow to the heart and to reduce the risk of heart attack and other complications. Treatment options may include:.

Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Medications, such as nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or aspirin.
Angioplasty or stenting, which involves inserting a small tube into the blocked artery and inflating a balloon to open the artery and placing a stent to hold it open.
Coronary artery bypass surgery, which involves creating a new pathway for blood flow around the blocked artery.

If you have angina, it’s important to speak with your doctor about developing a treatment plan that is right for you, and to follow the plan closely to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.

Prevention of Angina and CHD

While some risk factors for CHD are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Getting regular exercise.
Not smoking or using tobacco products.
Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Treating other health conditions, such as diabetes.

Overall, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of angina and CHD, and to take steps to reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

If you experience any symptoms of angina, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.