Angina means pain or heaviness in the chest, which occurs when the heart doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs. This pain can also spread to the neck, jaw, arms, or back. It usually happens during physical activity, climbing stairs, or stress, and often goes away with rest. However, if the pain persists without any clear reason, it could be a warning sign of a heart attack!
Is Angina the same as a Heart Attack?
No, angina is not a heart attack, but it can be a warning sign of one.
Angina occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain or pressure. It’s usually temporary and improves with rest or medication.
But if the pain is sudden, very severe, and doesn’t go away with rest, it may be unstable angina, which can increase the risk of a heart attack.
So, if angina symptoms last longer or worsen, you should consult a doctor immediately!
What are the causes?
Angina is most often caused by build-up of plaque in your arteries that makes it hard for blood to flow. Plaque narrows and blocks the arteries of the heart. Plaque is made of fats and cholesterol.
Angina is also caused by:
Sudden spasms of the muscles in the arteries of the heart.
Small artery disease.
Heart valve problems.
A tear in an artery of your heart.
Weakness of the heart muscle.
What increases the risk?
Main risks
Having high cholesterol.
High blood pressure.
Having diabetes.
Family history of heart disease.
Not exercising or moving enough.
Having had radiation treatment to the left side of your chest.
Other risks
Using tobacco products.
Being very overweight.
Eating foods that have a lot of unhealthy fats.
Feeling stressed or having depression.
Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms in all people
Chest pain, which may:
Feel like a crushing or squeezing in the chest.
Feel like a tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest.
Last for more than a few minutes at a time.
Stop and come back.
Pain in the neck, arm, jaw or back.
Heartburn or upset stomach for no reason.
Being short of breath.
Feeling like you may throw up.
Sudden cold sweats.
Other symptoms in females
Tiredness or weakness.
Worry and anxiety.
Dizziness or fainting.
How is this diagnosed?
Your symptoms and your medical history.
Blood tests.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart.
Stress test to look for signs of a blocked artery.
CT angiography to examine your heart and the blood flow to it.
Coronary angiography to check for a blocked artery.
How is this treated?
Medicines to:
Prevent blood clots.
Relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
Lower blood pressure.
Reduce cholesterol.
You may have a procedure called angioplasty to widen a narrowed or blocked artery. A small mesh tube called a stent may be put in the artery to keep it open.
Surgery may be needed to allow blood to go around a blocked artery.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
Take your medicines only as instructed.
Do not take these medicines unless your healthcare provider says that you can:
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Supplements that contain vitamin A, vitamin E, or both.
Hormone therapy that contains oestrogen with or without progestogen.
Eating and drinking
Eat a healthy diet that includes:
Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Whole grains.
Low-fat protein.
Low-fat dairy products.
Follow instructions about what you may eat and drink.
Activity
Exercise as instructed.
Talk with your healthcare provider about doing a programme called cardiac rehab to help make your heart strong.
When you feel tired, take a break. Plan breaks if you know you are going to feel tired.
Lifestyle
Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
If your healthcare provider says you can drink alcohol:
Limit how much you have to:
0–1 drink a day if you are female and not pregnant.
0–2 drinks a day if you are male.
Know how much alcohol is in your drink.
General instructions
Stay at a healthy weight. If told to lose weight, work with your healthcare provider to lose weight safely.
Keep your vaccines up to date. Get a flu jab every year.
Learn to manage stress. If you need help, ask your healthcare provider.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you feel depressed.
Work with your healthcare provider to manage any other health problems that you have. These may include diabetes or high blood pressure.
Keep all follow-up appointments. Your healthcare provider will want to check on your condition.
Get help right away if:
You have pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw or back, and the pain:
Happens more often.
Lasts more than a few minutes.
Goes away and comes back.
Does not get better after you take medicine under your tongue.
You are dizzy or light-headed all of a sudden.
You faint.
You have any combination of these problems:
Cold sweats.
Heartburn or upset stomach.
Trouble breathing.
Feeling like you may throw up, or you throw up.
Feeling very tired or weak.
Feeling worried or nervous.
These symptoms may be an emergency. Call your local emergency services right away.
Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
