A chest pain known as angina pectoris occurs when the heart lacks blood and oxygen. It occurs when the heart is not receiving enough blood and oxygen. It is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, in which the blood vessels that supply the heart narrow or block. The most common cause of angina pectoris is physical activity or emotional stress, and it usually goes away with rest or medication.
The main cause of angina pectoris is coronary artery disease, which is the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the inner walls of the arteries that supply the heart. As a result of this plaque, blood flow can be reduced to the heart, making it work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Angina pectoris occurs when the heart needs more oxygen and blood than the arteries can provide.
Other factors that can trigger or worsen angina pectoris include:
Cold weather
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Emotional stress
The most common symptom of angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort. The pain may feel like:
Pressure
Squeezing
Tightness
Heaviness
Burning
The pain usually starts behind the breastbone and may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back. The pain may last for a few minutes or longer, depending on the severity of the condition.
Other symptoms of angina pectoris may include:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Nausea
Sweating
Dizziness
A doctor will assess the patient's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to diagnose angina pectoris. As well as performing a physical examination and listening to the patient's heart and lungs, the doctor may order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of coronary artery disease. These tests include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormal rhythms, signs of reduced blood flow, or previous heart damage.
Stress test: This test measures the heart’s response to physical exertion or medication that increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It can reveal how well the heart is functioning and how severe the angina pectoris is.
Blood tests: These tests can check the levels of certain enzymes, proteins, or fats in the blood that may indicate heart damage or inflammation.
Coronary angiogram: This test uses a dye and a special X-ray machine to visualize the blood flow through the coronary arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing.
The main goals of treating angina pectoris are to relieve the symptoms, prevent future episodes, and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack or stroke. The treatment may include:
These medicines can be used to improve blood flow to the heart, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and reduce the workload of the heart. Medications for angina pectoris include nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, aspirin, and statins.
Changes in lifestyle can help prevent or reduce angina pectoris episodes, including quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Angioplasty and stenting: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blocked or narrowed coronary artery with a balloon and metal mesh (stent). A balloon is inflated to widen an artery and a stent is left in place to keep it open after inflation.
In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body and attached to the heart to bypass a blocked or narrowed coronary artery. As a result, blood flow is restored to the heart and angina pectoris is relieved.
The best way to prevent angina pectoris is to prevent or control the risk factors for coronary artery disease. This includes:
Avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar
Exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week
Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques
Keeping the blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within normal ranges
Taking medications as prescribed by the doctor
Having regular check-ups and tests to monitor the heart health
People with angina pectoris can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of serious complications by following the doctor's advice and making some lifestyle changes.
