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Angina pectoris is a fairly common symptom, often associated with cardiovascular disease, which can occur in both men and women. In the case of the latter, however, there may be some differences regarding the way of manifestation. You will find out what they are from the lines below.
What is angina pectoris?
The term angina pectoris is used by doctors for a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle no longer receives enough oxygen-rich blood as a result of restricted blood flow to the heart. Most often, it is described as a feeling of pain, discomfort, in the chest area. It often feels like a burning or “claw” squeezing the chest.
It can also be accompanied by pain in the arms, neck, shoulder, back or neck, as well as other symptoms: dizziness, fatigue, nausea, difficulty breathing and sweating. Episodes can vary in duration and intensity. As a rule, they manifest themselves mainly in those moments when the heart needs more oxygen, as when you make a physical effort, for example. They also tend to go away if you stop what you’re doing and rest.[2]
As for the causes of angina pectoris, most often, at least in men, it is coronary artery disease, a condition that occurs as a result of the accumulation of cholesterol deposits inside the coronary arteries. They narrow, which affects blood flow to the heart. In women, a more common cause of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle is damage to the small blood vessels that supply blood to the heart tissue or microvascular disease.
This disease tends to affect women more often than men (about 70% of cases are diagnosed among women who are approaching or have entered menopause), and identified risk factors include: low estrogen levels, autoimmune diseases, being overweight and obesity, diabetes, diet high in salt, saturated fat and processed foods, rheumatic diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle and smoking.[3]
What are the symptoms of angina pectoris in women?
In the case of women, the symptoms of angina pectoris can be slightly different, which often causes them to go unrecognized and delay the establishment of a diagnosis and treatment of their cause. The main difference is that chest pain, although common, is not always the dominant or only symptom that occurs. Also, instead of that pressure felt in the chest, the pain is felt more like a stab or a dull ache in the center of the chest.
Other symptoms mentioned in cases of angina pectoris in women are: discomfort in the neck, jaw, teeth or back, nausea, difficulty breathing and abdominal or stomach pain. Women are also more likely to experience feelings of panic or anxiety, dizziness, fainting, night sweats and fatigue.[1][2]
However, any of these symptoms can have multiple causes. Only a doctor can identify the exact reason behind their appearance.
Angina pectoris is a frequently reported symptom of cardiovascular diseases. Whether it occurs for the first time, or you notice that it gets worse or doesn’t go away when you rest, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There is a risk of complications, the most serious of which is myocardial infarction. It is important to learn to recognize the symptoms of angina pectoris and the potential warning signs that indicate the need for an urgent visit to the doctor. Only in this way can it be determined in time what exactly is causing your symptoms and what you need to do to relieve them and prevent them from getting worse or causing complications.
Bibliography:
Source photo: Freepik
2023-12-13 10:36:32
#Angina #pectoris #women #manifests
