Angina:
Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
Angina is not a disease itself, but it is a warning sign that you are at risk of a heart attack or stroke. It is important to see a doctor right away if you have angina symptoms.
Symptoms of angina:
The main symptom of angina is chest pain. Angina pain is often described as:
- Squeezing.
- Pressure.
- Heaviness.
- Tightness.
- Burning.
The pain may also spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain is usually triggered by physical exertion, such as walking or climbing stairs, or by emotional stress. It typically lasts for a few minutes and subsides with rest.
Causes of angina:
The most common cause of angina is CAD. CAD is caused by the buildup of plaque, a fatty substance, on the walls of the coronary arteries. This plaque buildup narrows the arteries and reduces the amount of blood that can flow to the heart.
Other causes of angina include:
- Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve).
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart muscle is thickened).
- Pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve).
- Coronary vasospasm (spasm of the coronary arteries).
Diagnosis of angina:
To diagnose angina, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms. They may also order tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) to record the electrical activity of your heart.
- Echocardiogram to create images of your heart.
- Stress test to monitor your heart's response to exercise.
- Coronary angiography to visualize your coronary arteries.
Treatment of angina:
The goal of angina treatment is to improve blood flow to the heart and relieve symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.
- Medications to improve blood flow to the heart, such as nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
- Procedures to open up blocked arteries, such as angioplasty and stenting.
Prevention of angina:
The best way to prevent angina is to prevent CAD. This can be done by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Managing stress
If you have angina, it is important to follow your doctor's treatment plan and make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
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heart disease