Angina pectoris, also known as angina or angina pectoris, is a condition that causes pain or discomfort in the chest due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of coronary heart disease that can significantly affect the quality of life of affected individuals. Angina is often described as a feeling of tightness, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen. It is important to recognize the symptoms of angina and understand the risk factors and treatment options to prevent more serious complications such as a heart attack.
Angina pectoris is especially common in older adults, but it can affect people of any age. Risk factors include an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and a family history of heart disease. Recognizing symptoms and taking timely action are key to reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications.
Symptoms of angina pectoris
Angina pectoris usually presents as chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow through the coronary arteries. The pain is often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, heaviness or burning in the chest. Angina can spread to other parts of the body, such as the arms, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen. Symptoms usually occur during physical activity, emotional stress, a heavy meal, or exposure to cold when the heart needs more oxygen than usual.
Angina pectoris symptoms can vary depending on the type of angina. Stable angina occurs predictably, usually with physical exertion or stress, and resolves after rest or medication such as nitroglycerin. Unstable angina is more serious and unpredictable; it can also occur at rest, and the pain lasts longer and does not go away with rest or medication. Prinzmetal’s angina (or variant angina) is a rare form that occurs due to coronary artery spasms and often occurs at night or early in the morning.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause of angina pectoris is reduced blood flow through the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the arteries. These plaques can narrow the arteries and limit blood flow to the heart muscle, causing chest pain. In addition to atherosclerosis, angina can also be caused by blood clots, inflammation of the coronary arteries, or spasms that temporarily narrow the arteries.
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing angina pectoris. These include unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity are also important risk factors. A family history of heart disease can also increase the risk of developing angina. In addition, stress and anxiety can contribute to angina by increasing the demand for oxygen in the heart muscle.
Diagnosis of angina pectoris
The diagnosis of angina pectoris includes several steps that help determine the presence and severity of the disease. The first step is a thorough medical history and physical examination, where the doctor assesses the patient’s symptoms, risk factors and general health. It is important that the patient accurately describes the pain, including its duration, intensity and triggers.
In addition to history and physical examination, various diagnostic tests are used to confirm angina pectoris. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a basic test that records the electrical activity of the heart and can reveal signs of reduced blood flow or a heart attack. A stress test involves monitoring the heart’s activity during physical activity, which helps determine how the heart works under stress.
Other imaging tests, such as echocardiogram, coronary angiography (angiography), and computed tomography (CT) of the coronary arteries, provide a detailed examination of the heart’s structure and blood flow in the coronary arteries. These tests help determine the presence of narrowed or blocked arteries, which is critical to planning appropriate treatment.
Treatment of angina pectoris
Angina pectoris treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, improving blood flow to the heart and preventing more serious complications such as heart attacks. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes are key to managing angina and include stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Medicines used to treat angina include nitroglycerin, which relieves pain by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Other types of medications, such as beta blockers, calcium antagonists, statins, and anticoagulants, help reduce strain on the heart, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
In cases where medication and lifestyle changes are not effective enough, doctors may recommend surgical procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty) with the placement of a stent or coronary artery bypass surgery. These procedures help restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and reduce the risk of more serious cardiovascular complications.
Preventive measures
Prevention of angina includes adopting healthy lifestyle habits and managing risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease. Regular physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling or swimming, helps keep the heart healthy and improves blood circulation. It is also important to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both of which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and healthy fats is key to maintaining heart health. Avoiding saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Regular medical examinations and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are important for early detection and management of risk factors.
Impact of angina pectoris on quality of life
Angina pectoris can significantly affect the quality of life of affected individuals. Constantly worrying about chest pain and the risk of a heart attack can lead to anxiety and depression. It is important for patients to seek support from family, friends and mental health professionals to help them cope with the psychological challenges associated with the illness.Angina pectoris affects not only the individual, but also his family . The pain and discomfort that comes with angina can cause stress and worry for family members. It is important for the family to be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with angina and to offer support and understanding to the affected member. Joint efforts towards a healthy lifestyle, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding stress, can help improve the health of the whole family. Family support is also crucial when following medical advice and regular check-ups, as it can reduce the burden of the disease and contribute to a better quality of life for everyone involved.
In addition to the impact on the family, angina pectoris also affects financial implications, especially for entrepreneurs who need to carefully plan their financial management. The cost of medical care, medications and possible surgical procedures can pose a significant financial challenge. Therefore, it is important for entrepreneurs to plan ahead and secure adequate health insurance and save funds for potential medical expenses. Proper financial management also includes planning for unforeseen expenses and establishing a financial reserve that can help cover the costs of treatment and recovery. With this approach, entrepreneurs can reduce financial stress and focus on their health and business success.
With proper treatment and management of risk factors, patients with angina can continue to live active and fulfilling lives. Cooperation with medical professionals, following medical advice and regular monitoring of health status are key to successfully managing the disease and preventing more serious complications. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and stress management can significantly improve the quality of life of angina patients and contribute to long-term heart health.
