Angina/Chest Pain
What is Angina/Chest Pain?
Angina, also known as chest pain, is a common symptom of heart disease. It is often described as a feeling of discomfort, pressure, or tightness in the chest. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen to meet its needs, often due to narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Why does it occur?
Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen to meet its needs.
This can happen due to several reasons:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD is the most common cause of angina. It occurs when plaque buildup narrows or blocks the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Coronary artery spasm: This is a sudden, temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle and cause angina.
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, including the heart muscle. This can cause angina.
- Heart valve disease: Heart valve disease can reduce blood flow through the heart, leading to angina.
Treatment
The treatment for angina depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of angina and improve heart health. This may include quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels
- Medications: Several medications can be used to treat angina, including nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins. These medications work by reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Procedures: In some cases, procedures may be needed to improve blood flow to the heart. These may include angioplasty and stenting, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or atherectomy.
Conclusion
Angina is a common symptom of heart disease, often caused by narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Treatment for angina depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. If you experience symptoms of angina, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan for managing the condition.