Angina is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort caused by a temporary disruption in the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. People describe angina discomfort as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling – usually in the centre of the chest, behind the breastbone. Key facts about angina: All chest pain should be checked out by a healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing chest pain for the first time, seek medical attention immediately. If you have already been diagnosed with angina and you are experiencing unusual symptoms, or if your medication isn’t working, see a healthcare provider immediately. You could be experiencing the emergency signs of a heart attack. When does angina happen?
Heart attacks can happen at any time. What does angina feel like? Angina and heart attack can feel the same. Both may cause:
Angina will sometimes cause dizziness, paleness, weakness. Heart attack symptoms often include nausea or throwing up, weakness, tiredness or sweating. How long does angina last?
Heart attacks generally last more than 30 minutes. What brings on angina?
A heart attack is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart causing damage to the heart muscle. What do you do if angina lasts longer than a few minutes?
The two most common types of angina are stable and unstable. Stable angina (angina pectoris) can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Unstable angina may not respond to rest or nitroglycerin. It needs urgent attention. Stable angina
What you can do if you experience an episode of stable angina:
Unstable angina
What you can do if you experience an episode of unstable angina:
Variant angina (also called Prinzmetal angina)
Microvascular angina (sometimes called cardiac syndrome X or CSX)
Cardiac syndrome X is not the same as syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome). Syndrome X is a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes or heart disease.
Angina occurs when there’s not enough blood flow to the heart as a result of heart disease. Without enough blood, the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen. This triggers the chest pain. Angina pain can be triggered by:
Angina can stem from these medical conditions: Coronary artery disease (CAD) Blocked arteries from coronary artery disease are the most common cause of angina.
Coronary artery spasm Coronary artery spasm is a contraction in the blood vessels that supply the heart.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure Narrowing of the valves in the heart (aortic stenosis) Enlarged heart (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
Angina symptoms can vary from person to person, between men and women (see below), and by the type of angina you have. The main symptoms of angina are: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Pain
Fatigue Be aware Women may describe their angina symptoms differently than men. They are more likely to experience:
When to call your doctor If you have chest pain that is new, worsening or constant, seek medical care immediately. You are at greater risk of:
Angina is often controlled with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Medication Medication may help prevent or relieve the symptoms of angina. If medication is prescribed for you, take it exactly as directed. Surgery and other procedures Angina caused by blocked arteries can be treated surgically. By widening or bypassing the affected arteries, more blood can flow to your heart. Procedures might include: Cardiac rehabilitation Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help you recover after a heart attack or from other heart conditions. Rehab has two parts:
Lifestyle You can lower your risk of developing other heart diseases and stroke by knowing and controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol. It’s also important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about the lifestyle changes that will benefit you the most. Control other medical conditions Take your medications as prescribed for other conditions that can make angina worse:
It’s normal to feel worried or afraid after a diagnosis of heart disease. Find someone you can turn to for emotional support like a family member, friend, doctor, mental health worker or support group. Talking about your challenges and feelings could be an important part of your journey to recovery. |