Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Angina is a common symptom of an underlying heart condition that causes chest pain or discomfort when the heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. It’s often described as a tightness, pressure, or burning sensation in the chest, but it can also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
For many people, angina can be a warning sign of coronary artery disease (CAD), one of the most common heart conditions. While angina itself is not a disease, it is an indicator of an underlying issue that needs medical attention. I’ll explain what angina is, the different types, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be managed to reduce the risk of serious complications such as a heart attack.
What Causes Angina?
Angina occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen. This is usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which restrict blood flow to the heart. The reduced oxygen supply causes pain or discomfort, especially during physical exertion or stress.
The most common cause of angina is coronary artery disease (CAD), which develops when fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the arteries, reducing blood flow. Other contributing factors include:
High blood pressure – Forces the heart to work harder.
High cholesterol – Leads to plaque formation in the arteries.
Smoking – Damages arteries and increases the risk of blood clots.
Diabetes – Can accelerate artery damage.
Obesity and lack of exercise – Increases strain on the heart.
Emotional stress – Can cause temporary narrowing of the arteries.
Types of Angina
Angina is classified into different types, depending on how it occurs and its severity.
1. Stable Angina
The most common form, occurring predictably with exertion or stress.
Symptoms subside with rest or medication (e.g., glyceryl trinitrate).
Indicates underlying coronary artery disease but is manageable.
2. Unstable Angina
Occurs suddenly and unpredictably, even at rest.
Symptoms do not go away easily with rest or medication.
Could be a sign of an impending heart attack and requires urgent medical attention.
3. Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina
Caused by temporary spasms of the coronary arteries.
Can occur at rest, often at night or early morning.
Less common but can still lead to complications if untreated.
4. Microvascular Angina
Affects the smallest blood vessels of the heart rather than the main coronary arteries.
More common in women and often mistaken for other conditions.
Each type of angina requires different approaches for diagnosis and treatment, which is why medical evaluation is crucial.
Symptoms of Angina
The main symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort, but it can present in different ways:
Tightness or squeezing in the chest.
Burning or pressure that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, or back.
Dizziness or light-headedness.
Fatigue.
Nausea.
Angina symptoms typically last a few minutes and may improve with rest or medication. However, if symptoms persist for more than 10 minutes, or become severe, it could indicate a heart attack—seek emergency medical help immediately.
For more details on angina symptoms, visit the British Heart Foundation.
How Is Angina Diagnosed?
If you experience chest pain, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor. Diagnostic tests can determine if angina is caused by coronary artery disease or another condition.
Common Tests for Angina:
ECG (Electrocardiogram) – Records the heart’s electrical activity.
Exercise Stress Test – Monitors the heart during physical exertion.
Coronary Angiogram – Uses contrast dye and X-rays to check for blockages.
CT Coronary Angiogram – A non-invasive scan to detect artery narrowing.
Blood Tests – Check for risk factors such as high cholesterol or diabetes.
Early diagnosis can help prevent serious complications such as a heart attack or heart failure.
Treatment for Angina
1. Lifestyle Changes
Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes is one of the most effective ways to manage angina and reduce the risk of complications.
Stop smoking – Reduces damage to arteries.
Adopt a healthy diet – Lower saturated fats and processed foods.
Exercise regularly – Improves heart function and circulation.
Manage stress – Reduces strain on the heart.
Maintain a healthy weight – Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to control symptoms and prevent progression of coronary artery disease.
Nitrates (GTN spray or tablets) – Relieve chest pain quickly.
Beta-blockers – Lower heart rate and reduce oxygen demand.
Calcium channel blockers – Relax arteries to improve blood flow.
Statins – Lower cholesterol to prevent further plaque build-up.
Aspirin or blood thinners – Reduce the risk of blood clots.
3. Medical Procedures
If lifestyle changes and medications are not enough, interventional procedures may be needed.
Angioplasty and Stent Placement – A balloon is used to open blocked arteries, followed by stent placement to keep them open.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) – A graft is used to bypass blocked arteries, restoring blood flow.
Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan based on your symptoms, test results, and overall health.
For more information on angina treatments, visit the NHS angina guide.
When to Seek Medical Help
Angina can be managed effectively, but seek urgent medical attention if:
Chest pain does not go away with rest or medication.
Pain lasts longer than 10 minutes.
Pain spreads to the arms, jaw, or back.
You experience shortness of breath, nausea, or dizziness.
These could be signs of a heart attack, requiring emergency medical care.
Conclusion
Angina is a serious warning sign that your heart is not getting enough oxygen. While stable angina can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, unstable angina requires urgent evaluation to prevent life-threatening complications.
If you are experiencing chest pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
At Heartsure, we provide comprehensive heart checks to diagnose and manage conditions like angina. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, contact us here to schedule a consultation.
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