Angina is a type of chest pain that is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is usually a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD) and is an indicator that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. Angina pain can range from mild to severe and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It is usually a sharp or burning sensation that can be felt in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, and arms. Other symptoms of angina may include nausea, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of Angina Pain
The most common symptom of angina is a squeezing or tightness in the chest that can be felt during physical activity or even at rest. The pain can also be felt in other areas of the body such as the neck, jaw, shoulder, and arms. The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Types of Angina Pain
There are two main types of angina: stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina is the most common type and is characterized by a pattern of chest pain that is usually triggered by physical activity or stress. Unstable angina is less common but more serious and is characterized by chest pain that is not associated with physical activity or stress.
Treatment of Angina Pain
Treatment for angina pain usually involves lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Medications may also be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of angina such as nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers. If lifestyle changes and medications are not enough to control the symptoms of angina, a procedure known as coronary angioplasty may be recommended. This procedure involves opening the blocked artery to increase blood flow to the heart.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat angina. Surgery may involve the placement of a stent, bypass, or an artificial heart valve. Surgery is usually reserved for more serious cases of angina.
Prevention of Angina Pain
The best way to prevent angina pain is to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. It is also important to manage any underlying conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, it is important to discuss this with your doctor to determine the best course of action.