There are various types of angina, which vary depending on the cause and whether symptoms can be relieved by rest or medication.

Stable angina: This is the most common form of angina. It typically occurs during physical activity and subsides with rest or angina medication. For instance, angina may occur when walking uphill or in cold weather.

Predictable and similar to previous episodes of chest pain, stable angina lasts a short time, usually around five minutes or less.

Unstable angina (a medical emergency): Unstable angina is unpredictable and can happen at rest, or the pain may worsen and occur with less physical exertion. It is typically severe and lasts longer than stable angina, lasting around 20 minutes or more. Rest or regular angina medications do not alleviate the pain. If blood flow doesn’t improve, it can lead to oxygen deprivation in the heart, resulting in a heart attack. Unstable angina is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Variant angina (Prinzmetal angina): Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal angina, is not caused by coronary artery disease. Instead, it occurs due to a temporary spasm in the heart’s arteries, which reduces blood flow. The primary symptom is intense chest pain. It often happens in cycles, typically at rest or during the night. Angina medication may help alleviate the pain.

Refractory angina: Refractory angina refers to frequent episodes of angina despite the use of medications and lifestyle changes.

Angina symptoms include chest pain and discomfort. The chest pain or discomfort may feel like:

• Burning
• Fullness
• Pressure
• Squeezing
• Pain may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back.

Other symptoms of angina include:

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

The severity, duration and type of angina can vary. New or different symptoms may signal a more dangerous form of angina (unstable angina) or a heart attack.

Any new or worsening angina symptoms need to be evaluated immediately by a health care provider who can determine whether you have stable or unstable angina.

The symptoms of angina in women may differ from the typical angina symptoms. These variances can result in delays in seeking medical assistance. For instance, although chest pain is a common symptom among women with angina, it may not be the sole symptom or the most prominent one. Women may also experience the following symptoms:

• Discomfort in the neck, jaw, teeth, or back
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Stabbing pain instead of pressure in the chest
• Abdominal (stomach) pain

Certain factors can elevate the risk of developing angina:

Advancing age: Angina is most prevalent among individuals aged 60 and above.

Family history of heart disease: If your mother, father, or any siblings have or had heart disease or experienced a heart attack, inform your healthcare provider.

Tobacco usage: Smoking, chewing tobacco, and prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke can harm the arterial lining, leading to the accumulation of cholesterol deposits and blockage of blood flow.

Diabetes: Diabetes increases the likelihood of coronary artery disease, which in turn leads to angina and heart attacks by accelerating atherosclerosis and raising cholesterol levels.

High blood pressure: Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries by hastening arterial hardening.

High cholesterol or triglyceride levels: Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) in the bloodstream can result in artery narrowing. Increased LDL levels raise the risk of angina and heart attacks. Similarly, high levels of triglycerides in the blood are unhealthy.

Other health conditions: The risk of angina is elevated in individuals with chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, metabolic syndrome, or a history of stroke.

Insufficient physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Consult your healthcare provider regarding the most suitable type and amount of exercise for you.

Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, which can lead to angina. Excess weight forces the heart to work harder to supply blood to the body.

Emotional stress: Excessive stress and anger can elevate blood pressure. Hormonal surges during periods of stress can narrow the arteries and exacerbate angina.

Medications: Certain drugs, such as certain migraine medications that constrict blood vessels, may trigger Prinzmetal’s angina.

Substance abuse: The use of cocaine and other stimulants can induce spasms in blood vessels, triggering angina.

Cold temperatures: Prinzmetal angina can be triggered by exposure to cold temperatures.

Angina is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is often a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). Diagnosing angina involves a combination of evaluating symptoms, conducting medical tests, and assessing the patient’s risk factors. Here are some common methods used in the diagnosis of angina:

Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, their frequency and duration, and any factors that trigger or alleviate the pain. They will also inquire about your medical history, family history of heart disease, and any other relevant information.

Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination to check your blood pressure, and heart rate, and listen to your heart and lungs.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart. It can help detect abnormal heart rhythms, identify previous heart attacks, and indicate reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Stress testing: This test evaluates how your heart functions during physical exertion. The most common type of stress test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike while your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored.

Echocardiogram: This non-invasive test uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. It can help assess the heart’s structure, and pumping function, and detect any abnormalities.

Coronary angiography: This invasive procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the arteries of the heart and taking X-ray images. It helps visualize any blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.

Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to check for certain risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol levels or markers of inflammation.

There are various treatment options available for angina, which include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Medications
• Angioplasty and stenting
• Open-heart surgery (coronary bypass surgery)
• The primary objectives of angina treatment are to decrease the frequency and intensity of symptoms and to minimize the risk of heart attack and mortality.

If you experience unstable angina or angina pain that differs from your usual symptoms, immediate medical intervention is necessary.

When should you consult a doctor?

If you experience chest pain that persists for more than a few minutes and does not subside even after resting or taking your prescribed angina medications, it could indicate a potential heart attack. Dial 9116722337.

If you are unfamiliar with chest discomfort as a symptom, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your cardiologist to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In the case of diagnosed stable angina that worsens or exhibits any changes, seek immediate medical assistance.