Angina Pectoris - understanding what angina is 

When looking at coronary artery disease the most common symptom is what is known as angina pectoris or simply angina. Angina and coronary heart disease go together as it is rare that one will take place in the absence of the other. Angina is basically a pain in the chest.

What does Angina Pectoris feel like ?

When patients describe their angina it is not unusual for the descriptions to differ. Some refer to it as a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the chest area while others talk about aching, burning, pressure or a tight squeezing. A feeling of fullness or simply a “painful feeling” will be the view of others. Angina is sometimes mistaken for indigestion and vice versa. Angina is most commonly experienced in the chest area but can also be felt in the arms, shoulders, neck, throat, back or jaw area.

What will my Doctor do ?

When you visit your doctor suspecting angina he will review your symptoms and try to identify what is causing them. After carrying out a physical examination, the doctor will arrange a series of medical tests that will better determine the root of the problem as well as how serious the coronary artery disease is if indeed it exists at all.

The various types of test a patient may need to undergo includes:

- an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

- an exercise stress test

- an echocardiogram

- nuclear imaging tests

- a cardiac catheterization

and

- an electron beam CT (or ultrafast CT)

Angina Pectoris is treated based on how severe a doctor determines it is. In other words how much damage has been done determines the level of treatment.

If it is decided that you suffer from mild angina, it is possible that your condition can often be improved with changes to your lifestyle together with a little medication. Lifestyle changes often include eating a healthy, well balanced diet with a minimum of fatty, fried and salty foods. Getting plenty of exercise, maintaining acceptable blood pressure levels, monitoring and lowering cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes and giving up cigarettes.

What causes Angina Pectoris ?

Angina takes place when there is a limited amount of blood flowing to a particular area of the heart. What happens is that there is less oxygen and nutrients sent to the cells of the heart muscle and this means that the heart has to look for fuel elsewhere. A less efficient type of fuel that ends up being used is a product called lactic acid that causes discomfort and also builds in strength in the muscles.

Sometimes those suffering from aortic stenosis (a heart valve problem) will have less blood flowing to the arteries and sometimes those with a severe case of anemia might develop angina due to the fact that the blood is not carrying enough oxygen. Angina can also be felt by individuals who have thickened heart muscles due to lack of oxygen.

Angina Pectoris - prescribed medications

Angina medications have one of two functions; either increase how much oxygen is sent to the heart muscle or decrease how much oxygen the heart requires.

Examples of these medications include:

- beta-blockers

- nitrates

- calcium channel blockers and

• - ACE inhibitors (or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors).

Other types of angina medication help to prevent the development of blood clots, which can make it difficult for blood to reach the heart.

Examples of these types of medication include:

- anticoagulants,

- antiplatelet medications and

- blood thinners.

Angina Pectoris - Surgery

If you are suffering from very serious angina or it is getting progressively worse, then a physician may strongly suggest that you need to undergo treatment that will serve to open arteries that are blocked.

Some medical procedures used to do this include:

- angioplasty,

- coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG),

- external counterpulsation (EECP),

- stenting, and

- transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)

Are there different types of Angina Pectoris ?

Angina can be broken down into three groups and they are:

- stable angina,

- unstable angina

and

- prinzmetal’s angina.

Stable Angina - the pain usually occurs during moments of extreme emotional turmoil or during moments of mental or physical exertion such as taking physical fitness exercise. In this case the angina is of a predictable nature and will go away when you relax and get plenty of rest.

Unstable Angina - is something to be very concerned about as it is highly likely that you are about to have a heart attack. Unstable angina is not 'run of the mill' angina and is most likely to occur when a person is resting and sometimes the pain is more extreme and lasts for a long period of time. However, it may or may not take place when a person is resting.

As the name suggests this type of angina is completely unstable and may respond to oral medication but often more serious medical treatment or surgical procedures need to be administered. It cannot be emphasized enough, unstable angina can very often develop into a full blown heart attack if not treated early enough.

Prinzmetal’s Angina - this angina shows itself when a person is sleeping or just resting or exposure to very cold temperatures. The symptoms of this type of angina come about as a result of a limited quantity of blood flowing to the heart muscle or in some cases as a result of spasms that are taking place in the coronary artery.

Angina Pectoris - seek medical attention

If you suspect that you are experiencing angina for the first time, do not ignore it but seek medical attention right away. If angina is something you have had before, keep taking your heart medication and try to decide if the angina symptoms you are experiencing are worse than usual or the same. If it is getting worse contact your physician immediately for a check-up and/or make a visit to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

If you suffer from angina learn to relax and rest as often as you possibly can. Some patients are given nitroglycerin tablets to take when angina rears its ugly head. If you need it, take the tablet and allow it time to dissolve underneath your tongue. Relax and take deep breathes to calm yourself.

Some people are given nitroglycerin in the spray form. If you have this kind then spray it under your tongue and relax. If after five minutes you are still suffering then take another dose. Give yourself five more minutes and if the symptoms are still present or are worsening then take another dose. Three doses should be the maximum. If you are still suffering after that then it is time to get yourself to the emergency room for treatment without delay.

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Coronary Heart Disease - why you shouldn't ignore it!
Coronary Heart Disease Facts
Heart Disease Treatment
What is a Coronary Angiogram ?
Heart Disease - women are more likely than men to die as a result of a heart attack
ACE Inhibitors and possible side effects
What is Valvular Heart Disease ?
A Healthy Diet for Heart Disease
Optimal diets for prevention of Coronary Heart Disease
Heart Disease - a vegetarian diet may benefit your heart
Chocolate and Heart Disease - eating chocolate is good for your heart!
High Cholesterol and Heart Disease
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