Chest pain that is related to the heart, often referred to as angina, is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary heart disease (CHD). Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which means that the heart doesn't get as much oxygen as it needs. Here are key points about angina:
- Types of Angina:
- Stable Angina: The most common type, it occurs when the heart is working harder than usual, like during exercise. It has a regular pattern and can be predicted. The pain usually goes away a few minutes after resting or taking angina medication.
- Unstable Angina: More serious and unpredictable, occurring even at rest or with minimal exertion. It lasts longer and is not relieved by rest or medication. This can be a sign of an impending heart attack.
- Variant (Prinzmetal's) Angina: Caused by a spasm in a coronary artery, it occurs mostly at rest, often at the same time each day, and can be severe.
- Symptoms:
- Chest discomfort or pain, often described as aching, pressure, tightness, or burning.
- Pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
- Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or nausea can also accompany angina.
- Causes:
- Usually a result of CHD, where arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup.
- Temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, often brought on by physical exertion or stress.
- Diagnosis:
- Based on medical history, a physical exam, and various tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, echocardiography, and coronary angiography.
- Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
- Medications, including nitrates (like nitroglycerin), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins.
- In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) might be necessary.
- Prevention and Management:
- Control risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
- Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco use.
- Regular medical check-ups and adherence to treatment plans for existing heart conditions.
Angina is a warning sign that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood and should always be taken seriously. If someone experiences sudden, severe chest pain or angina that doesn't go away, it's crucial to seek emergency medical attention, as it could be a sign of a heart attack.