Angina Pectoris is chest pains or discomfort that happens when bloodflow to your heart is blocked. It is a symptom of heart disease and is most commonly due to the buildup of plaque in your coronary arteries. Without treatment, dangerous complications such as a heart attack might happen.
There are two types of angina pectoris:
Stable Angina
The most common form of angina, it usually happens during periods of exertion and goes away with rest or medication. It is predictable and usualy similar to previous episodes of chest pain. Stable angina usually lasts a short time, typically five minutes or less.
Unstable Pectoris
Unstable pectoris is unpredictable and happens at rest. It is typically more severe and lasts longer than stable angina, around 20 minutes or longer. The pain does not go away with rest or the usual angina medication. A heart attack might occur if blood flow to the heart does not improve. Unstable angina is dangerous and requires emergency treatment.
Variant Angina (Prinzmetal Angina)
This type of angina isn't due to coronary artery disease. It is caused by a spasm in the heart's arteries which temporarily reduces blood flow. It often occurs in cycles, typically at rest and overnight and the pain may be relieved by angina medication.
The main symptoms of angina pectoris include chest pain and discomfort. The chest pains may feel like:
You may also experience other symptoms such as:
The severity and duration of angina may vary depending on the type of angina. Any new or worsening symptoms should be looked at immediately by a healthcare provider.
Blood carries oxygen, which your heart needs to survive. Angina happens when the blood flow to the heart is obstructed, resulting in lesser oxygen being received. This reduced blood flow could be due to coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common cause of angina and it happens when plaque builds up in your coronary arteries in a process known as atherosclerosis.
When you are resting, your heart muscles may be able to cope with the reduced blood flow without triggering angina symptoms. However, when the demand for oxygen goes up, such as when exercising, angina may happen.
You are more likely to develop Angina Pectoris if you have the following risk factors:
You can prevent angina pectoris by making lifestyle changes such as:
Blood Test
A blood test will be done to organ function, to look for health conditions or substances that may affect the heart or heartbeat.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a form of ultrasound which shows your heart's movement, structure, and function.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.
