Angina Signs And Symptoms- What To Do To Save A Life

Angina is a syndrome- a set of symptoms including chest pain or discomfort which occurs due to insufficient oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscles. It is not a disease but a warning sign of having a risk of heart attack or stroke. It is usually caused by coronary artery disease- a heart disease wherein coronary arteries become narrowed, hence reducing blood flow to the heart. ‘When this happens, the heart may beat faster and harder to receive more blood, causing a noticeable pain in the chest area’ shares Dr. Sujay Shad, an expert and senior heart doctor in Delhi practising at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

 

Signs of Angina

 

The main symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort which usually-

 

• feels dull, tight/squeezed, or heavy and it may radiate to the jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, back, or belly
• is triggered by stress or physical exertion
• stops after some resting.

 

The chest discomfort usually starts behind one’s breastbone and some people may not be able to exactly locate the source of pain. Some people feel angina like their indigestion or gas. Due to a lack of oxygen supply to the heart, a person can experience symptoms that are not felt in the chest area, called angina equivalents. These include:

 

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or Vomiting
• A lot of sweating.

 

Types of angina

 

Angina can be of varying kinds including:

 

1.  Stable Angina (Angina Pectoris): It is a temporary feeling of pain, pressure, fullness, or squeezing sensation at the centre of the chest, lasting for only 5 minutes or less. This feeling may spread to other body parts and may feel like gas or indigestion. The symptoms may show up and disappear in predictable patterns for at least 2 months. It is usually noticed in people having strong emotions like extreme anger, anxiety, or stress; during body exertion like walking up a hill; after having a heavy meal; any time when the heart is made to work harder; in extreme weather conditions (too hot or too cold). Usually, it is the case with patients suffering from coronary artery disease. Proper rest and certain medications can alleviate it. 

  

2.  Unstable Angina: Unlike usual stable angina, the pain feels more intense or worsens, and may last for more than 20 minutes. It may go away and return and may be accompanied by shortness of breath. It can happen to anyone while resting or sleeping or during light physical activity. It is not predictable, may be a sign of a heart attack, and rest or medications may not let it fade away.  

 

3.  Microvascular Angina: It refers to severe chest pain lasting for at least 10 minutes. The patient may even experience shortness of breath, fatigue, sweating, or trouble sleeping. It occurs during physical exertions, periods of strong emotions, and normal daily routines. It is a symptom of coronary microvascular disease. Immediate relief cannot be provided by medications.

 

4.  Prinzmetal (Variant or Vasospastic) Angina: The chest pain is unbearable or the lower chest may feel like having vague pain or pressure. It may spread to the jaw, neck, or left shoulder and may go along with fainting, nausea, dizziness, or cold sweat. It happens in a recurrent pattern when one is sleeping or resting often between 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. It is the least commonly occurring angina which can be relieved by certain medications. It is a symptom of coronary spasms affecting younger people.

 

When to Seek Medical Help?

 

If a person is diagnosed with angina and experiences an attack of chest pain that disappears after a few minutes of resting, he/she must have an urgent appointment with a general physician. The doctor would be able to identify if the pain is caused by a heart problem and refer the patient for certain tests. Chest pain lasting for more than a few minutes must be taken more seriously and the patient must consider it an emergency.

 

By becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of angina, one can take immediate steps for its treatment and perhaps save a life- maybe his/her own life. If one is having unexpected or severe chest pain, it could be a possible sign of an upcoming heart attack. So act promptly, call emergency services, and get to the hospital for medical assistance from a cardiologist to avoid serious health issues.

 

How Angina Can Be Treated?

 

Angina can be probably treated with certain medications that are taken for remaining life and also proper rest. Medications may be prescribed for treating attacks, preventing future attacks, and reducing the risk of having strokes or heart attacks. Medications may not be suitable in every patient case. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to save a life. An operation of the heart to improve blood flow to the muscles may be recommended. For instance, if the patient has angina due to coronary artery disease, the cardiac surgeon may fix a blocked artery by coronary artery bypass graft surgery or coronary angioplasty and stent placement.

 

Living with angina

 

If one is diagnosed with angina, then it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle to avoid the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Hence, the patient must:

 

• Have a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Lose and maintain body weight- if overweight or obese
• Regular exercise- mild to moderate intensity ones are usually safe.

 

If one is experiencing the above mentioned symptoms and want to know more about the ways and treatments that can help one to live healthy, consult now with Dr. Sujay Shad, best cardiologist and heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He is an expert heart surgeon with experience in performing many lifesaving heart surgeries. To know more consult today!