Angina is a type of chest pain when the heart doesn’t get enough blood. It is a sign that your cardiac muscles are not receiving adequate oxygen. People often describe the pain of angina as a feeling of squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. It might feel like a massive object being kept on the chest. Angina is a warning sign of an underlying heart condition and should not be ignored.

Types

• Stable Angina: This is the most common type triggered by physical activity or emotional stress.
• Unstable Angina: This type is unpredictable and can occur even at rest. It may last longer and is considered a health emergency.
• Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina: Caused by coronary artery spasms, this type can occur at rest.

Causes
When the heart muscles don’t get enough blood, it hurts. They need oxygen to live, which is carried by the blood. Most of the time, coronary artery disease (CAD) is to blame for less blood getting to the heart muscle. Plaques, fatty deposits that can build up in the coronary vessels and make them narrow, are the reason for this.
During times when the heart doesn’t need as much oxygen, like when it’s at rest, the cardiac muscle may still be able to work with less blood flow without causing angina. But when the body needs more blood, like when you work out, the pain can happen.

Symptoms
The primary symptom of angina is chest discomfort or pain. The pain may travel to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back. Other symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sweating

Women may experience atypical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, indigestion, or upper back pain.

Diagnosis
If angina is suspected, a healthcare provider will conduct a thorough health issue history and physical examination. Various tests can help diagnose the condition and determine its severity:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the heart’s electrical activity, helping identify abnormal heart rhythms or signs of reduced blood flow.
• Stress test: It is also known as an exercise or treadmill test. It assesses how the heart performs during physical activity, potentially triggering angina symptoms.
• Coronary angiography: This invasive procedure involves introducing a contrast dye into the coronary arteries to visualize any blockages or narrowing.

Treatment options
The treatment for angina aims to relieve symptoms, prevent further problems, and reduce the risk of heart attacks. The approach may include lifestyle changes or different therapies.

• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly improve angina symptoms. This may involve maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
• Angioplasty and stent placement: In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty may be performed to open narrowed arteries. A stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): For severe cases of angina, CABG surgery may be recommended to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries using blood vessels from other parts of the body.

Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of angina and understanding its causes can help you get timely professional intervention. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with angina can effectively handle the condition and reduce the risk of difficulties.