Angina pectoris is an important health topic and is a condition that can be difficult for those without medical training to understand. In this article, we tell you what is important to know about angina pectoris (causes, diagnosis, treatment), but especially how it is defined and what are the symptoms.
What is angina pectoris and what are the symptoms?
When you intend to inform yourself about angina pectoris, it is important to know from the beginning that it is a condition characterized by pain felt in the chest, caused by a temporary decrease in the supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle (myocardium). This decrease in oxygen supply can be the result of a spasm of the coronary arteries or a narrowing of them (due to atherosclerosis).
There are two types of angina pectoris mentioned in the specialized literature:
- stable angina: occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and disappears at rest or after administration of nitroglycerin;
- unstable angina: is more severe, occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, and does not go away easily, representing a warning sign of a possible myocardial infarction.
Although angina is not as serious as a heart attack, it can indicate a serious heart problem and requires medical evaluation and appropriate treatment. If your angina symptoms get worse or don’t go away within a few minutes, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention because it could be a heart attack.
Symptoms of angina pectoris
Common symptoms of angina include:
- pain in the chest, arm, neck, jaw, back: can vary in intensity, duration and location. These pains may be described as a feeling of pressure, tightness or burning in the chest and may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders or back.
- breathing difficulties.
- profuse sweating.
- nausea.
- fatigue.
- dizzy
- severe fatigue.
Causes of angina pectoris
The main cause of angina pectoris is myocardial ischemia, that is, reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, caused by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease). This phenomenon can be triggered by atherosclerosis, a process in which plaques of fat and cholesterol accumulate in the arteries, thus limiting blood circulation.
Other possible causes of angina pectoris are spasm of the coronary arteries (Prinzmetal’s angina), structural abnormalities of the heart, anemia, cardiac arrhythmias, or heart valve problems. For example, Prinzmetal’s angina is a rarer form of angina that occurs at rest and is caused by a temporary spasm of the coronary arteries.
Major risk factors for angina pectoris and coronary artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and family history of cardiovascular disease.
Identification and management of risk factors for angina pectoris and associated cardiovascular diseases are essential to prevent or limit the progression of these conditions. By making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising and managing stress, the risk of developing angina and other cardiovascular diseases can be significantly reduced.
Diagnosis of angina pectoris
To establish the diagnosis of angina pectoris, the doctor may request several investigations such as:
- blood tests: certain enzymes in the blood can be a clear indication that a myocardial infarction has occurred.
- electrocardiogram: provides information about the electrical activity of the heart. If the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen, the electrocardiogram will show changes.
- cardiac ultrasound.
- cardiac tomography (CT): can show information about the condition of the arteries or the size of the heart muscle.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): gives information about the structure of the heart and coronary arteries.
4. Treatment of angina pectoris
The treatment of angina pectoris involves the treatment of the disease that leads to its appearance, that is, atherosclerosis. The doctor may recommend:
- lifestyle modification;
- drug treatment: beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, statins, drugs to reduce blood pressure;
- minimally invasive surgical interventions: these are recommended in cases where the treatment does not give the expected results. It can be about angioplasty, aortocoronary bypass intervention.
How to prevent angina pectoris through lifestyle changes
One of the most effective ways to prevent angina is to eat a healthy diet that includes foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken or fish can help keep your heart healthy and prevent angina.
Exercising regularly is also essential in preventing angina pectoris. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise can help strengthen your heart, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of angina pectoris.
Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is another important way to prevent angina pectoris. Smoking negatively affects cardiovascular health, and quitting the habit can significantly reduce the risk of angina pectoris and other heart conditions. Also, maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, and optimal blood sugar levels can prevent angina and other heart health complications.
In conclusion, angina pectoris is a heart condition signaled by chest pain caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. Knowledge is key in preventing, diagnosing, and treating this condition, so it’s important to educate yourself and act accordingly.
Additional sources of information:
(2) Cleveland Clinic, „Angina”:
(3) RadiologyInfo, „Angina pectoris”:
