Atherosclerosis produces several symptoms due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. One of these symptoms is angina. Angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. This is similar to muscle cramps during vigorous exercise. Angina also happens in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. More than 6 million people in the United States have this condition and it occurs most often in adults.
There are three types of angina. One of this is stable angina. This is the most common type which often happens when the heart is working harder than usual. There is a regular pattern that is usually observed in this type of angina which lasts for only 5 minutes or less. Sometimes, stable angina may feel like gas or indigestion in the body. The condition usually goes away after taking a rest of taking medications. The second type of angina is unstable angina. It is the exact opposite of stable angina. It often occurs at rest or with little physical exertion and may last for as long as 30 minutes. It is usually not relieved with rest or medications and may signal that a heart attack will happen soon. Variant angina is the third type. Like unstable angina, it may occur at rest. The attacks of this type usually happen between midnight and early medicine but can be relieved with medications. This condition is very rare and only accounts for two out of 100 cases of angina. The people suffering from variant angina are often younger than those of other types of angina.
Angina is primarily caused by a reduced blood flow to an area of the heart. Many factors also contribute to its development. For the stable angina, physical exertion is the most common cause of pain and discomfort. Emotional stress, exposure to very hot or cold temperature, heavy meals and smoking are also some of the factors that lead to angina. Medications that constrict or narrow blood vessels and cocaine use are also considered factors that help in the development of the condition.
The symptoms of angina differ according to the type. But most describe having a feeling as pressure, burning or tightness in the chest. This usually starts in the chest behind the breastbone. Nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating, light-headedness or weakness can also be experienced by those affected with angina.
Lifestyle changes, medications, special procedures and cardiac rehabilitation are the forms of treatment available for angina. Large meals and rich food and situations that make you upset or stressed should be avoided. The individuals having angina should also control the level of their blood cholesterol and their weight. Smoking is one thing that should really be stopped. Medications such as nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are prescribed to the patient to relax blood vessels, slow heart rate and lower blood pressures. They also reduce the risk of a future heart attack and heart failure. Surgical treatments should be done if symptoms are severe and medications are not that useful. Angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery are some of the procedures available.
