Angina, also called angina pectoris, results from an inadequate amount of blood supply to the heart. A build up of plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries that restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart is usually the cause. Angina is a symptom of coronary heart disease or coronary micro-vascular disease. In laymen’s terms, it’s a symptom of heart disease and can lead to heart attack.
Some signs to watch for that can be indicators of angina are chest pain, pressure, or tightness; pain in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back; and feelings of indigestion.
There are several types of angina to be aware of:
Stable angina is the most common type of angina. With stable angina, the pain reoccurs chronically but is predictable and can be relieved with rest and/or medication. The pain of stable angina tends to occur when the heart is working harder than normal, but is not receiving the blood it needs for its exertion. For instance, pain usually occurs in patients with stable angina when they are exercising or dealing with emotional stress.
Unstable angina is very dangerous and is the sign that heart attack is imminent. With unstable angina, there is no pattern or predictability to the pain accompanying it. Pain can occur even while the heart is at rest. It requires emergency medical treatment.
Microvascular angina is more likely to occur in women, affects the smallest of the heart’s coronary arteries, and isn’t always caused by blockage. The pain of microvascular angina can be more extreme and drawn out than other types of angina. It isn’t always treatable with medication.
Variant angina or Prinzmetal’s angina is a rare form of angina that is usually caused by coronary artery spasms. Prinzmetal’s angina typically occurs while the heart is at rest, usually between midnight and the early morning hours. It is associated with severe pain, but can be treated with medication.
If you have any of the symptoms for angina, please consult a doctor immediately. Your doctor will assess your medical history, give you a physical exam, have a chest x-ray taken, and order an electrocardiogram to determine your course of treatment. For a free physician referral call 1-866-442-2362.
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