Angina is a type of chest pain that is caused by the reduces blood flow to the heart. Angina is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. These chest pains are often hard to distinguish between other types of chest pains like indigestion. More than 3 million Americans are affected by angina every year. There are two different types of angina. Stable angina, which occurs when your heart works harder and can usually be predicted and similar to the chest pains you may have had before. Stable angina lasts for a short period of time and disappears sooner if you rest or use your medication. Unstable angina occurs even at rest. The change of pattern in your usually angina occurs and is unexpected. This usually lasts longer than stable angina and may not disappear with rest or the use of your angina medication. Unstable angina may signal a heart attack.
Signs & Symptoms of Angina
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
What Causes Angina
Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle. Your blood carries oxygen which your heart muscle needs to survive. When your heart is not getting enough oxygen, it causes a condition call ischemia. Even with a reduced amount of blood flow, the heart muscle can still function but when you increase the demand, for example when exercising, angina can result.
Managing
Depending on the severity, angina can be treated by lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty or surgery. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, monitoring and controlling other health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes may help control angina. Also eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight and increasing your physical activity weekly can help control it.
