Angina: Recognizing and Understanding the Symptoms

Introduction

Angina pectoris or angina is generally described as the tightness of the chest. This is a common symptom in patients with a long history of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, angina is a standard feature, but it gets challenging to distinguish angina from any other chest pain because, generally, most typical chest pains have the same symptoms as angina pectoris. Angina is very common all over the world, with over ten million cases per year in the Asian continent alone. Bearing in mind the gravity of the condition, it can be treated very well to some extent. However, changes in lifestyle and medications are necessary. Additionally, surgical intervention may be required.

What Are the Types of Angina?

It is crucial to be aware of the different types of angina, and they may manifest differently. There are four types of angina- stable angina, unstable angina, microvascular angina, and vasospastic angina.

• Stable angina occurs when the patient predicts the possibility of extreme stress and strenuous activity. Stable angina does not result in a kind of chest pain that may get worse over time.

• Unstable angina occurs abruptly, and patients have no clue of the onset. Unstable angina occurs at rest or while sleeping.

• Microvascular angina occurs due to an abnormality in the heart's blood vessels. Cardiac blood vessels carry and supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Once this blood vessel is impaired, the heart muscles start to die to an insufficient amount of oxygen.

• Vasospastic angina is also called Prinzmetal angina or variant angina. It is a variety of chest pain that occurs in episodes. The reason for this kind of angina is the reaction to short-acting nitrates. Vasospastic angina contributes to coronary artery vasospasm.

What Are the Symptoms of Stable Angina?

Stable angina is a kind of chest pain or discomfort due to emotional stress or strenuous activity. Angina refers to the poor flow of blood to the heart via the blood vessels. Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of stable angina.

• Anxiety.

• Palpitations.

• Rapid breathing.

• Chest pain that lasts for five minutes.

• Chest pain while climbing stairs.

• Nausea.

• Shortness of breath.

• Vomiting.

• Excessive sweating.

• Fatigues.

• Dizziness.

What Are the Symptoms of Unstable Angina?

Unstable angina pectoris or unstable angina is a life-threatening type of chest pain. It can also trigger a heart attack. Unstable angina needs to be treated promptly because it forms blood clots within the heart's coronary arteries. This may lead to the death of cardiac muscle due to a lack of oxygen supply. Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of unstable angina.

• Exhaustion.

• Suffocation.

• Shortness of breath.

• Tightness of chest.

• Feeling of being crushed.

• Chest pain at rest.

• Chest pain that does not go away.

• Excessive sweating.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Pale skin.

• Anxiety.

• Pain that lasts for over thirty minutes.

• Feeling of the bones and muscles being tight.

• Problems with the rhythm of the heart.

• High blood pressure.

• Feeling of being choked.

• Muscle pain.

• Pain across the jaw, neck, and arm.

• Signals an incoming heart attack.

What Are the Symptoms of Microvascular Angina?

Microvascular angina is a kind of angina or chest pain that occurs due to abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels of the heart, whose primary function is to bring oxygenated blood into the heart. The muscles get damaged and start to die in case this function is not done efficiently. Lifestyle changes can help avoid microvascular angina. Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of microvascular angina.

• Heaviness in the chest.

• Excessive sweating.

• Abdominal cramps.

• Dizziness.

• Nauseous.

• Stomach pain.

• Feeling of being squeezed.

• Intense pressure on the chest.

• Tightness of the body.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Fatigue.

• Having a meager amount of energy.

• Vomiting.

• Spasm of muscles.

What Are the Symptoms of Vasospastic Angina?

Vasospastic angina can occur along with microvascular angina. Vasospastic angina is generally underdiagnosed. It majorly tends to affect men over the age of 50, but younger people can also show signs of vasospastic angina. Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of vasospastic angina.

• Pain that occurs at rest.

• Chest pain early in the morning.

• Chest pain late at night.

• Abnormal pressure on the chest.

• A sense of uneasiness.

• Severe pain in the back or shoulder.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Twitching of the arms and neck.

• Nausea.

• Spasm of muscle in clusters of two or three.

• Severe chest pain that is stabbing in nature.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Angina?

There are an array of risk factors associated with all four kinds of angina as follows.

• Excessive use of tobacco.

• Diabetes mellitus#mce_temp_url#.

• High blood pressure.

• High blood cholesterol.

• High level of triglyceride.

• Family history of cardiovascular disorder.

• Geriatric group or old age.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Obesity.

• Stress.

• Lack of exercise.

• Excessive intake of junk food.

• Absence of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

• Certain medications.

How Can Angina Be Prevented?

Prevention of angina is in the hands of the individual. However, lifestyle changes are vital if angina is meant to be kept at bay. Mentioned below are some factors that may help prevent an episode of angina pectoris.

• Eating a healthy diet.

• Maintaining ideal body mass index.

• Limiting the use of alcohol.

• Reducing the levels of stress.

• Getting annual flu shots.

• Quitting smoking.

• Avoiding the use of tobacco.

• Controlling high blood pressure.

• Managing diabetes.

• Avoid food rich in cholesterol.

• Increased physical activeness.

What Is the Prognosis of Angina?

The prognosis of angina, which is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, varies depending on the underlying cause, severity, and the individual's overall health. With appropriate medical management, lifestyle changes, and interventions such as medications, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery, the prognosis for angina can be generally favorable, and many individuals are able to effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

Conclusion

Angina pectoris is a symptom as well as a disease marked by transient attacks of chest pain due to insufficiency of oxygen in the muscles of the heart due to impairment of the blood flow. There are four types of angina, and each of them has a different cause and hence different symptoms. Therefore, identifying the correct kind of angina is crucial in management and accurate treatment planning. Living an active and healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and eating a heart-smart diet are preventive measures of angina pectoris.