Angina attacks are caused by a restriction in the blood flow to the heart, which leads to chest pain or discomfort. Anyone can suffer from angina, but certain groups of people are more prone to the condition than others.

In this article, we explore who is most susceptible to angina attacks and the factors that increase the risk of developing the condition.

Age

Age is a significant risk factor for angina attacks. As people grow old, their arteries become less flexible and more susceptible to blockages.

According to statistics, around 3% of people aged 30 to 39 have angina, while the percentage grows to 10% for those aged between 60 and 69. Adults over the age of 70 are even more likely to suffer from angina.

Gender

Men are more likely to develop angina attacks than women. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.

The hormone estrogen protects against heart disease, and the levels of estrogen in women decline after menopause, which makes them more prone to angina attacks.

Family History

If someone in your family has a history of heart disease, you are more likely to develop angina attacks. This is because some risk factors for angina, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, can be hereditary.

Therefore, it is essential to know your family’s medical history and to take appropriate measures to prevent heart disease.

Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for angina attacks. It damages the lining of the arteries, which makes them more susceptible to blockages. Smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart, which can trigger angina attacks.

Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the most critical lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your risk of developing angina and other heart diseases.

Obesity

Obesity is another risk factor for angina attacks. Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart, which can lead to chest pain and discomfort.

Obese individuals are also more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes, which are all risk factors for heart disease.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lack of physical activity is also a risk factor for angina attacks. Exercise helps to strengthen the heart and improve the flexibility of the arteries.

People who are sedentary are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and other risk factors for heart disease. Therefore, regular physical activity is essential for preventing angina and other heart conditions.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure damages the arteries and puts extra strain on the heart, which can lead to angina attacks. Over time, high blood pressure can also cause the arteries to narrow, which further increases the risk of heart disease.

Therefore, monitoring blood pressure regularly and taking appropriate measures to manage it are essential for preventing angina.

High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the heart and trigger angina attacks.

Therefore, it is important to get regular cholesterol screenings and take appropriate measures, such as changing diet and lifestyle or taking cholesterol-lowering medications, to manage high cholesterol levels.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart disease, including angina attacks. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart and lead to chest pain and discomfort.

Therefore, managing diabetes through appropriate medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is essential for preventing angina.

Stress

Stress can trigger angina attacks in some people, although the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood. It is believed that stress can cause blood pressure and heart rate to increase, which can put extra strain on the heart and trigger chest pain.

Therefore, managing stress through relaxation techniques and other stress-reducing activities is essential for preventing angina.

Conclusion

Angina attacks can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are more prone to the condition than others.

Age, gender, family history, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and stress are all risk factors for angina attacks. Therefore, taking appropriate measures to manage these risk factors is essential for preventing angina and other heart diseases.