What is angina pectoris?

** Angina ** or ** heart pain caused by lack of blood supply to the heart muscle **, is one of the most common ** heart problems **, which can be a warning of a more serious disease such as ** heart attack **. Accurate knowledge of this disease, its symptoms and treatment methods play an important role in maintaining heart health and preventing dangerous complications. In this article, we will fully explain about angina pectoris, its types, warning signs, causes and treatment methods. What is angina pectoris? **Symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention methods** Angina is a type of pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest that is usually caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition often occurs as a result of narrowing or blockage of **coronary arteries**. In fact, when the **heart muscle** needs more oxygen (for example, during exercise or stress), but does not receive enough blood, a person experiences pain or discomfort in the chest area. Angina is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary artery disease. Angina pectoris symptoms Symptoms of angina can vary from person to person, but usually include: - Feeling of pressure, burning or heaviness in the middle or left side of the chest - Pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back - shortness of breath - Excessive sweating - Nausea or dizziness Feeling anxious or afraid for no apparent reason Angina pain may last a few minutes and improve with rest or medication. **Types of Angina Pectoris** Angina is divided into several categories based on the severity and pattern of symptoms: ### 1. Stable angina - It is the most common type of angina. Pain is usually caused by physical activity or stress. - It disappears with rest or taking nitroglycerin. - The pattern of pain is predictable. ### 2. Unstable angina - New or changed pain in intensity and duration compared to stable angina. - It may also occur at rest. - It is a serious alarm for the occurrence of a heart attack. - Needs immediate treatment. ### 3. Prinzmetal's angina (vasospastic) - It is caused by coronary artery spasm. - It often occurs while resting or sleeping. - May be controlled with special drugs. ** Causes of angina pectoris** The most important cause of angina pectoris is coronary artery disease, in which fatty plaques (atherosclerosis) narrow or block the arteries. Other factors include: - High blood pressure - High cholesterol - Smoking - Diabetes - obesity - Severe mental stress - Sedentary lifestyle Having several risk factors at the same time can significantly increase the likelihood of angina. **Methods for diagnosing angina pectoris** To accurately diagnose angina pectoris, the doctor may suggest the following methods: - ECG - Exercise test (stress test) - **Echocardiography** - Coronary angiography - Nuclear heart scan The purpose of these examinations is to evaluate the function of the heart and the level of **coronary artery blockage**. Read about this: care after nuclear heart scan **Treatment of angina pectoris** ### **drug treatment** - Nitroglycerin to reduce pain - Beta blockers to reduce the heart's need for oxygen Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin - Blood lipid lowering drugs (statins) - Blood pressure and blood sugar control ### **non-pharmacological methods** - Lifestyle changes: smoking cessation, healthy diet, weight loss and regular exercise - Stress management through counseling or relaxation techniques ### **Aggressive treatments** In severe cases, one of these methods may be needed: **Angioplasty and stenting** to open narrowed vessels - **coronary artery bypass surgery** **prevention of angina pectoris** Prevention is the best way to deal with **angina and heart diseases**. The key solutions are: - Quit smoking completely - Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol control - Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains - Doing regular exercise (according to the doctor's advice) - Reducing stress and anxiety - Regular visits to the doctor for periodical checkups conclusion Angina is a warning that should not be ignored. Pain or discomfort in the chest can be a sign of lack of blood supply to the heart muscle, and if ignored, it can lead to a **heart attack**. Recognizing symptoms, going to the doctor quickly, controlling risk factors and modifying lifestyle play a very important role in preventing and controlling this disease. If you notice any abnormal symptoms in your chest, it is better to consult a cardiologist without delay.