Language
Country/Area
No result found
The heart's distress signal: Do you know the real cause of angina?
Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is chest pain or pressure caused by a lack of adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. The most common cause is coronary artery disease. It is usually caused by a partial blockage or spasm of the arteries that supply the heart muscle. The primary mechanism of coronary artery obstruction is atherosclerosis, which is part of coronary artery disease. Other possible causes of angina include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, and less commonly, anemia. The term comes from the Latin words "angere" (suffocation) and "pectus" (chest) and can be translated as "suffocating feeling in the chest."
"There is a relationship between the severity of angina and the degree of myocardial hypoxia, but this is not always a direct match."
Symptoms of angina are often associated with activity, such as exercise or emotional stress, and usually resolve with rest or the use of glyceryl nitrite. Angina pectoris can be divided into stable angina and unstable angina. When patients face random exacerbations of angina or have sudden symptoms of angina, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to rule out dangerous medical conditions.
Stable angina
Stable angina is the classic type of angina that usually attacks during activity and is accompanied by chest discomfort. This type of angina usually subsides after activity and returns when activity resumes. Triggers for stable angina include cold weather, heavy meals, or emotional stress.
Unstable angina
Unstable angina is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. It usually occurs at rest, lasts longer than 10 minutes, and is often more severe than before. This type of angina means a higher risk of heart disease.
"The pathophysiology of unstable angina is different from stable angina and is primarily due to a sudden reduction in blood flow."
Microvascular angina
Microvascular angina, also known as cardiac syndrome X, is characterized by angina-like chest pain in the absence of major blockage in the coronary arteries. This type of angina is more common in women and was considered a benign condition in the past, but research now suggests it may be involved in the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease.
Symptoms and signs
Patients with angina usually experience chest pressure, heaviness, tightness, or burning. These discomforts may extend to the upper abdomen, back, neck, jaw, or shoulders. This phenomenon of reflex pain can be explained by the intersection of cardiac sensory nerves with cutaneous sensory nerves.
"Common triggers of angina include exercise, emotional stress, and cold weather."
Main risk factors for angina pectoris
Smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of heart disease are all major risk factors for angina. Regular medical consultation and healthy lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Diagnosis
When chest tightness, discomfort or heavy pressure occurs, the possibility of angina pectoris should be considered. The diagnosis of angina pectoris usually needs to be confirmed through electrocardiogram, exercise test and necessary imaging examination.
Treatment methods
The goals of angina treatment include relieving symptoms, slowing disease progression, and reducing the risk of future cardiac events. Drug treatments mainly include β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers, and organic nitrates. In addition, coronary intervention may also be considered if the situation warrants it.
"Medical treatment of angina pectoris is not only aimed at reducing symptoms, but also aims at long-term risk management."
Although current medical technology has significantly improved the survival rate of middle-aged patients, angina is still a warning sign of heart disease. Have you ever worried about yourself or someone close to you?
