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Unveiling the mystery of angina: Why do some people experience pain without worrying about heart disease?
Angina pectoris, medically known as angina pectoris, is a feeling of pain or pressure in the chest that is usually caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. According to experts, the main cause of this discomfort is mostly coronary artery disease. However, what is more worrying is that some patients, although they feel severe pain, are not necessarily at risk of heart disease.
Angina pectoris is often caused by partial blockage or spasm of the coronary arteries, which does not necessarily mean a heart attack.
The definition of angina pectoris comes from the Latin words "angere" and "pectus", which literally means "suffocation in the chest". This condition occurs when the heart's demand for oxygen exceeds its supply, such as during strenuous exercise or emotional stress. However, the severity of angina does not always correspond to the degree to which the heart is not getting enough oxygen. Some people may experience severe chest pain without being at risk for a heart attack, while others may experience a heart attack with little to no pain.
Types of angina
Angina can be divided into several types based on its characteristics, including stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina usually develops after certain activities and is relieved by rest or taking nitroglycerin. This condition usually occurs when the patient exercises or is exposed to cold weather or emotional stress. Unstable angina is a medical emergency that worsens without warning or occurs suddenly while at rest and requires immediate medical attention.
Unstable angina is part of an acute coronary syndrome and requires prompt medical attention.
In addition, there is a condition called microvascular angina, in which the heart's large blood vessels are apparently normal, but the patient still feels angina-like pain. This condition is usually more common in women.
Angina Symptoms and Risk Factors
People with angina often feel a sensation of pressure, heaviness, or suffocation that sometimes radiates to the back, neck, or jaw. In general, psychological stress, heavy meals, or symptoms of the automatic nervous system such as nausea and sweating may worsen angina.
Major risk factors for angina include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a family history of heart disease.
Many people with angina say they experience discomfort but are not alarmed by the risk of a heart attack. This situation has sparked widespread discussion: why do some people not have to worry too much about their heart health even when they experience pain?
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing angina pectoris requires comprehensive consideration of symptoms and tests such as electrocardiograms. In most patients, the ECG is normal on clinical examination unless there is a history of previous cardiac problems. Once diagnosed, the goals of angina treatment are primarily to relieve symptoms, slow progression of the condition, and reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
β-adrenergic blockers and nitroglycerin are common drugs used to treat angina.
With the advancement of medical technology, the survival rate of patients with angina pectoris has improved significantly compared with the past. Studies in recent years have shown that the five-year survival rate for patients with angina pectoris has reached approximately 92%.
ConclusionThose who experience chest discomfort should definitely seek medical help. Your doctor will help determine the underlying cause of your pain and manage it accordingly. So, when faced with angina, are you able to remain calm and recognize the real risks?
