Nowadays, many people are becoming familiar with the 'angina pectoris', especially with the rise of accessible health information. Angina pectoris is a health issue that requires attention, as attacks can occur suddenly and, in some cases, lead to medical emergencies. But what exactly is angina pectoris? What are its symptoms, what causes it, and how can we manage this condition if it occurs?
What is Angina Pectoris?
Angina pectoris is a term used to describe chest pain or discomfort that results from insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition typically arises from the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen to the heart. Angina pectoris is often regarded as a symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed due to the buildup of plaque or fat.
Angina pectoris can be divided into two types:
Stable Angina: Occurs during physical activity or emotional stress and typically resolves with rest.
Unstable Angina: May occur at any time, even when at rest, and often indicates an impending heart attack.
Symptoms of Angina
Symptoms of angina can vary, but the most common one is chest pain. Here are some typical symptoms that many people experience:
Chest Pain: This usually occurs in the middle or left side of the chest and is often described as pressure, tightness, or burning.
Radiating Pain: The chest pain may radiate to other areas, including the shoulders, arms, back, neck, or jaw.
Cold Sweats: Some individuals may experience cold sweats during an angina attack without any obvious reason.
Nausea or Shortness of Breath: Other accompanying symptoms can include feelings of nausea or shortness of breath.
If you experience these symptoms, which resemble heart attack signs, seek medical help immediately to have your condition checked further.
What is the cause of angina?
The primary cause of angina is the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart. Several risk factors are associated with angina, including:
Coronary Heart Disease: This condition often triggers angina because narrowed or blocked arteries limit blood supply to the heart.
Smoking: Smoking contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the likelihood of developing angina.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can accelerate the thickening of the arteries, which may lead to sudden episodes of angina.
High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels raise the risk of plaque accumulation on the walls of the arteries.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for coronary heart disease and, consequently, angina.
How to Overcome Angina
If you experience symptoms of angina, here are some steps you can take:
Rest: Stop your activity and rest in a comfortable position for a while.
Take Nitrates: If you have been prescribed nitrate medications, these can help relieve angina symptoms by widening blood vessels.
See a Doctor: If you have recurrent angina symptoms, it’s important to seek further medical evaluation. This may include tests such as an EKG, stress test, or angiography to assess the condition of your coronary arteries.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preventing angina from worsening. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress effectively.
By understanding what angina is and taking the appropriate preventive and treatment measures, we can maintain our heart health and reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions, such as heart attacks. Regular medical check-ups once a year can help prevent future health issues. Let's start taking care of ourselves and living better! :)
Sumber:
Mayo Clinic
American Heart Association
NHS UK
WebMD
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