What is angina and how is it treated?
Posted March 22, 2021 by Justin M Dunn, MD
In times of intense stress, does it ever feel like someone is squeezing your heart? Do you feel pain or numbness down your left arm? Does it seem like you get indigestion each time you exercise?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from angina. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. The pain can be mild or severe and often follows exertion or stress.
Angina is not a disease, but instead a symptom of a more serious heart condition called coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself. Most patients who experience angina do so because of plaque buildup in one or more coronary arteries that slowly and steadily constrict blood flow to the heart. If the artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack will occur.
There are two main types of angina:
Risk factors for angina
Angina becomes more common as people age. Men over the age of 45 and women over age 55 are at a greater risk for the condition.
Other risk factors for angina include:
Symptoms of angina
Angina manifests in people differently. However, common manifestations of angina include:
If you experience angina symptoms for more than 20 minutes and rest or taking medication doesn’t relieve them, it may mean you’re having a heart attack and you could have permanent heart damage. Call 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention.
If you think you may be experiencing angina, take note of your symptoms to look for repeating patterns and contact your doctor. Keep track of triggers (exercise, stress, eating) that lead to the onset of angina symptoms--where you feel pain, how long your symptoms last and what relieves them. Keeping track of your symptoms and patterns can help with a diagnosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of angina
To diagnose angina, your doctor will perform a physical exam and likely order a combination of tests, such as a blood test, ECG (electrocardiogram) and stress test, among others.
Treatment for angina depends on how blocked an artery has become. With mild angina, usually medicine and lifestyle changes can control your symptoms. If it’s more severe, you may need a heart catheterization and the placement of a stent or even open heart surgery for partially or totally blocked arteries.
Your doctor also will discuss lifestyle changes to reduce your chance of angina attacks. Eating a heart-healthy diet, getting daily exercise and quitting smoking all can help to reduce your risk. Practicing stress-management techniques and avoiding strenuous activities also can help.
Consider angina a warning sign and make healthier choices to protect your heart.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from angina. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. The pain can be mild or severe and often follows exertion or stress.
Angina is not a disease, but instead a symptom of a more serious heart condition called coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself. Most patients who experience angina do so because of plaque buildup in one or more coronary arteries that slowly and steadily constrict blood flow to the heart. If the artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack will occur.
There are two main types of angina:
Risk factors for angina
Angina becomes more common as people age. Men over the age of 45 and women over age 55 are at a greater risk for the condition.
Other risk factors for angina include:
Symptoms of angina
Angina manifests in people differently. However, common manifestations of angina include:
If you experience angina symptoms for more than 20 minutes and rest or taking medication doesn’t relieve them, it may mean you’re having a heart attack and you could have permanent heart damage. Call 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention.
If you think you may be experiencing angina, take note of your symptoms to look for repeating patterns and contact your doctor. Keep track of triggers (exercise, stress, eating) that lead to the onset of angina symptoms--where you feel pain, how long your symptoms last and what relieves them. Keeping track of your symptoms and patterns can help with a diagnosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of angina
To diagnose angina, your doctor will perform a physical exam and likely order a combination of tests, such as a blood test, ECG (electrocardiogram) and stress test, among others.
Treatment for angina depends on how blocked an artery has become. With mild angina, usually medicine and lifestyle changes can control your symptoms. If it’s more severe, you may need a heart catheterization and the placement of a stent or even open heart surgery for partially or totally blocked arteries.
Your doctor also will discuss lifestyle changes to reduce your chance of angina attacks. Eating a heart-healthy diet, getting daily exercise and quitting smoking all can help to reduce your risk. Practicing stress-management techniques and avoiding strenuous activities also can help.
Consider angina a warning sign and make healthier choices to protect your heart.
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