Angina pectoris is a serious sign that the heart is having trouble getting enough blood and oxygen, and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment to avoid serious complications, such as a heart attack. Angina pectoris is caused by the heart not receiving enough oxygen through the coronary arteries.
Symptoms of angina pectoris
Angina pectoris is characterized by pain or pressure in the chest that may spread to the shoulders, arms (usually the left), jaw, neck, or back. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and a feeling of unexplained fatigue.
Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, the patient should see a cardiologist immediately to avoid the effects of a heart attack.
There are the following types of angina:
- Unstable angina, where chest pain occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason, may last longer and be more intense. Episodes may be recurrent. It is the most dangerous angina because it increases the risk of myocardial infarction.
- Stable angina, where chest pain, usually constant in intensity and duration, occurs after physical exercise, stress, or other causes that increase the heart’s need for oxygen. The pain subsides with rest or medication.
- Morning angina, with chest pain after waking up, as the heart has a greater need for oxygen due to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Vasoconstrictive angina (Prinzmetal) where pain is caused even at rest after a spasm in the coronary arteries that restricts blood flow to the heart.
What causes angina
The main risk factors for angina are:
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol levels
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking, lack of exercise, increased stress
Diagnosis of angina
The Cardiologist will take the patient’s medical history and perform a Clinical examination. He will then perform an electrocardiogram to detect any abnormalities in the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram and a stress test, with state-of-the-art equipment available in his Clinic. He will prescribe blood tests to the patient to measure levels of heart damage enzymes.
Based on the findings, the doctor will refer for imaging tests – where and which are necessary – such as a dynamic ultrasound study (Stress Echo), coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or invasive coronary angiography. The tests will also diagnose the extent of damage to the coronary arteries.
Treatment of angina
Treatment for angina aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, such as myocardial infarction. It includes the administration of special medications to facilitate the function of the heart. If necessary, the patient will be referred for coronary angioplasty with stent placement.
The patient with angina is monitored by his Cardiologist systematically at regular intervals, whether he has undergone a angioplasty or not. He will also receive personalized instructions regarding maintaining the optimal condition of his heart.
