Angina – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group
Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque buildup narrows the arteries supplying the heart. Angina is often described as a squeezing, pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest. It can also manifest as pain in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. This discomfort can be frightening and significantly impact quality of life. Angina is a warning sign and should not be ignored.
Causes
The primary cause of angina is CAD. Plaque, composed of cholesterol, fat, and other substances, accumulates in the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This reduced blood flow can cause angina, especially during physical exertion or emotional stress when the heart’s demand for oxygen increases. Less common causes include coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetal’s angina) and certain heart valve problems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing angina involves several steps:
- Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about the characteristics of the chest pain, its triggers, and any other symptoms. A physical exam will assess overall health.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities associated with angina or CAD.
- Exercise stress test: This test monitors the heart’s activity during exercise, revealing any limitations in blood flow.
- Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart, assessing its structure and function.
- Coronary angiography: This invasive procedure involves injecting a dye into the coronary arteries and taking X-rays to visualize any blockages.
Treatment
Treatment for angina aims to relieve symptoms, prevent future episodes, and reduce the risk of heart attack:
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, are essential.
- Medications: Medications, including nitroglycerin (to relieve angina symptoms), aspirin (to prevent blood clots), beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers (to reduce heart rate and blood pressure), and cholesterol-lowering drugs, may be prescribed.
- Angioplasty and stenting: This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blocked coronary artery and inflating a balloon to widen the artery. A stent is often placed to keep the artery open.
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): CABG involves grafting healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body to bypass blocked coronary arteries.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain suggestive of angina. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications, such as a heart attack.
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