Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. It is typically felt as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest. It can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, or jaw.
The duration of angina can vary from person to person, and depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, angina can last a few minutes and subside with rest or medication. In other cases, it can last for several hours or even days.
If angina lasts more than a few minutes, it is important to seek medical attention. This is because angina can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
It is important to note that the symptoms of angina can be similar to those of a heart attack. Both involve chest pain or discomfort, but the key difference is that a heart attack typically lasts for more than 20 minutes and does not usually subside with rest or medication.
When angina is treated, it is usually managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and/or medical procedures. Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Medications can include nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Medical procedures may include stents, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.
With appropriate treatment, the episodes of angina may become less frequent, and the duration of the pain may become shorter. However, it is important to note that angina may not be completely resolved, and episodes can still occur. It is important to continue to manage the underlying condition and follow-up with your doctor as recommended.
