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What does the average person know about Angina? Usually very little because it is almost always mistaken for indigestion or a heart attack. Basically angina is a medical term to describe a condition that feels a lot like major indigestion or a mild heart attack. It is your heart's way of telling you that it is overworked, over stressed and in need of more oxygen. Literally the words "Angina Pectoris" mean a choking sensation in the chest, but more accurately it is your heart's need for more oxygen. Whether it is because of excess stress on the heart or from a blockage a doctor should determine.
Angina usually feels like a crushing or constricting pain that starts in the center of the chest and radiates to other parts of the body, like the arm or shoulder. Because Angina mimics a heart attack most sufferers are diagnosed in the emergency room when they are being seen for what at the time seems like a heart attack or a really bad case of indigestion that doesn't go away. Most people with angina say the pain feels like a gripping or squeezing sensation, that sometimes spreads to the jaw, left shoulder or left arm. Although angina mimics a heart attack it usually doesn't last quite as long and recovery from the attack is more rapid.
There are three main types of angina, but the most common is stable or classic angina. This is usually triggered by extreme physical exertion and diminishes with rest. You can usually predict what type of activities will bring on an attack and make them subside or prevent them completely.
A more serious type of angina is unstable angina, which is acute. It usually occurs rapidly and without warning, even while resting and is an indication of more serious heart trouble. This is a warning sign and should not be ignored. If this type occurs see a doctor as soon as possible.
There is a rarer type of angina called variant angina. This involves spasms of the coronary artery and occurs at regular times of the day or night.
Angina affects between 2-3 million Americans each year. It is usually seen in people over 35 and increases with age. It is more likely to affect those who smoke heavily, have high blood pressure, or are more than 20lbs overweight. More men than women are diagnosed with angina. Researchers think this is due to their higher stress levels and busy schedules or eating patterns.
Symptoms only last a few minutes and the heart is only deprived of the extra oxygen it needs momentarily. But if angina worsens or increases in occurrence or severity it usually means that you are at a greater risk for a heart attack. If you develop increased chest pain or new symptoms or the attack lasts longer than usual contact your doctor immediately.
Symptoms that are usually associated with angina:
Crushing, constricted, strangling, sharp or burning sensations as in heart burn. Normally felt in the chest and radiating to the jaw, left arm or left shoulder and sometimes in the back of the neck. Pain that occurs with physical exertion and diminishes with rest. Weakness, sweating, shortness of breath or palpitations.
Symptoms that may or may not be associated with angina:
Nausea, light headedness, vomiting or fainting. Severe crushing chest pain that lasts longer than five minutes or causes blurred vision. New symptoms or worsening of symptoms. Profuse sweating while at rest or doing mild activity. Leg pain during an attack. The inability to speak or swallow during an attack.
If you are diagnosed with angina, a cardiologist will most likely prescribe an aspirin a day to help thin the blood. Also, you may receieve high blood pressure medication if that is one of your symptoms and in some cases nitroglycerin. In rare instances (when the heart has been damaged) surgery may be needed, but with proper care this can be avoided.
If you haven't been diagnosed with angina but have any or all of these symptoms see your doctor immediately. Angina can be treated and handled with proper care, diet, exercise and medication. But left untreated it can turn into a serious heart condition.
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