Angina

Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a medical condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.

Symptoms

The symptoms of angina can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Chest pain or discomfort: This is usually described as a squeezing, pressing, or burning sensation in the center of the chest.
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

Types of Angina

There are several types of angina, including:

• Stable angina: This is the most common type of angina and occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood during physical activity or stress.
• Unstable angina: This type of angina is more severe and occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood even at rest.
• Variant angina: Also known as Prinzmetal's angina, this type of angina occurs when a coronary artery spasm causes the blood vessel to narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Microvascular angina: This type of angina occurs when the small blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked.

Causes and Risk Factors

Angina is usually caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of heart disease
• Aging

Treatments

The goal of treatment for angina is to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, as well as to prevent complications such as heart attack. Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, losing weight, and eating a healthy diet can help manage symptoms.
• Medications: Nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiplatelet agents may be prescribed to reduce angina symptoms.
• Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to widen the narrowed artery and a stent to keep it open.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure that involves bypassing the blocked artery with a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body.
• Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP): A non-invasive treatment that uses cuffs on the legs to help improve blood flow to the heart.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing angina, it is essential to:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress
• Get enough sleep
• Monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels