Angina refers to a severe bout of chest pain that often spreads into the surrounding regions (shoulders, arms, back, neck, and/or jaw), along with autonomic symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sweating, and shortness of breath.
There are several types and root causes of angina, as well as several tests for diagnosis and treatments, depending upon the specific type of angina present. Here are ten terms to help get the basic idea of what it means to deal with angina.
1. Coronary Heart Disease
This is considered one of the leading causes of angina. It occurs when, over time, a collection of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other things hardens in the arteries leading to the heart, a condition called atherosclerosis. It becomes difficult for the heart to receive enough oxygen-rich blood, triggering the deprived muscles to attacks of angina.
2. Stable Angina
Stable angina is the most common sort. It occurs mostly during physical activity or high periods of stress, although other triggers such as smoking or heavy meals may also induce it. During a resting state, the heart can normally make do with the oxygen it has received. It can be indicative of a heart attack in the future but may be relieved by medication and a change in lifestyle.
3. Unstable Angina
Unstable angina occurs when the plaque in the arteries bursts, forming a blood clot that may almost completely block off blood flow to the heart. Because of this, it can occur even during states of resting. It is more severe than stable angina and should be treated as an emergency. Medicine is usually unhelpful, and treatment should be immediate, as it is indicative of a heart attack.
4. Coronary Microvascular Disease
CMD is a condition in which the small vessels that lead to the heart are damaged and become restricted and narrowed. There is no blockage as there is in CHD, but the heart can still be deprived of oxygen due to the tightened arteries.
5. Microvascular Angina
Microvascular angina is a direct result of CMD. The restricted vessels don’t allow enough oxygen-rich blood, and the deprived heart muscles result in a chest pain (as well as other angina symptoms) that may be more severe, longer lasting, and more frequently occurring than other types of angina.
6. Variant or Prinzmetal’s Angina
Variant angina is a rare type of angina that can occur during rest or activity, like unstable angina. However, rather than being triggered by a blockage, it is instead the result of a spasm of a coronary artery and can be relieved through medication. It occurs most commonly very late at night or in the very early morning.
7. Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is one of the several types of tests available for the appropriate diagnosis of angina. Small electrodes are attached to the patient that track and record the pattern of the electric signals the heart beats respond to. This allows doctors to look for patterns that indicate interrupted beats.
8. Nuclear Stress Test
A stress test involves the use of physical activity while monitoring the heart with an ECG. It can be easier to find abnormalities that might not show while the patient is resting. According to the Mayo Clinic, during a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance can be added to the bloodstream, where it can be detected with a scanner that then creates a picture of the heart, highlighting areas that are not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
9. Nitrates
Nitrates are a common medication for angina that dilates the blood vessels. Nitroglycerin tablets are a well-known example. They may be used on a constant preventative basis, before activities that trigger angina, or simply during times when the patient feels an episode of angina arising. Alternative medications might focus on controlling cholesterol, clotting, or the force and frequency of the heart beat.
10. Angioplasty and stenting
In cases that medication and lifestyles changes will not help, such as unstable angina, surgery may be necessary. Angioplasty and stenting involve the placement of a small balloon in a restricted artery. The artery is widened by inflating the balloon, and a stent, or small coil, is placed to keep the artery dilated and improve blood flow.
