Angina occurs when parts of the heart fail to receive sufficient amounts of oxygen-rich blood. Although angina is itself a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD), it also comes with its own set of symptoms. There are many specialized tests available for diagnosis, and treatment often requires not only prescription medications, but also a lifestyle change. While there are many risk factors for angina, there are also ways to help prevent its development.
Angina Causes
In order to understand the cause of angina, you must first understand CHD. Coronary artery disease results when the blood vessels are filled with plaques, or deposits of fat and other detritus, that make the vessels ultimately smaller, thus it becomes harder for oxygen-rich blood to travel properly. Angina may not always be noticeable, because during times of low activity the small amount of oxygen rich blood that is able to get through is sufficient for the resting body. More specific causes of angina can be gleaned by understanding the different types of angina.
Angina Symptoms
Although the duration, frequency, and intensity of symptoms is largely dependent on the type of angina present, the types of symptoms themselves are very similar. Angina is often mistakenly thought to be a heart attack when symptoms begin their onset, and although a heart attack is different, angina can be a herald of a heart attack. Chest pain is the most common and frightening symptom of any type of angina. According to the Mayo Clinic, this pain may spread from the chest into the arms and shoulders, neck and back, or even jaw. Many patients also report feelings of dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Excessive sweating and shortness of breath often comes with it.
Angina Treatments
Once a proper diagnosis has been made by medical professionals, a regimen of treatment can begin. Depending on the type of angina and symptoms present, doctors may recommend any of the following prescription medication:
- Nitrates (dilates vessels)
- Aspirin (helps keep blood from clotting)
- Clot-preventing drugs (prevents clots from forming in the vessels)
- Beta blockers (reduces blood pressure by slowing and weakening the heartbeat)
- Statins (lowers cholesterol)
- Calcium channel blockers (dilates blood vessels)
In more serious cases, surgical methods such as angioplasty and stenting may be necessary. However, the most effective method of treatment is often making serious lifestyle changes. Since poor diet, smoking, stress, and obesity are all contributing factors to CHD, and thus angina, a heart healthy diet, and combination with learning to control stress and anxiety, and quitting smoking can help improve symptoms drastically.
