An Overview of Angina Pectoris

Simply put, angina pectoris is a medical condition wherein the patient feels severe chest pain and discomfort, and it may be an underlying cause of a coronary heart disease. Angina pectoris is a direct symptom of the cardiac disease referred to as myocardial ischema.

Myocardial ischemia comes about when the myocardium, which is more commonly called as the heart’s muscles, fails to take in the much needed blood and oxygen in order to function correctly. The inability to acquire blood and oxygen, on the other hand, is due to blocked or narrowed blood vessels.

It is further found out that people suffering from valvular heart diseases may also acquire angina pectoris. It also observed in those who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the enlargement of the heart as caused by a certain disease. People with uncontrolled blood pressure may also be susceptible to angina pectoris, although the cases for which are quite rare.

Those afflicted with angina pectoris feel pain, squeezing, fullness and an uncomfortable pressure right in the center of their chests. Other discomforts like pain on the arms, back, shoulders, jaw, and neck are also apparent. But not all chest pains are classified as angina pectoris. In fact, cases of lung infection and heartburn have similar symptoms but they are not really related to this particular disease.

As stated earlier, angina pectoris occurs when a person’s heart is in dire need of blood and oxygen. Angina pectoris could occur suddenly, like when you are running down the road to catch your bus. Strenuous exercise, extreme temperature changes, and even strong emotions can trigger its onset as well. Angina pectoris can be a sign that a person is at a risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest. This condition should be monitored well and patients should take extra caution in their daily activities, as it may cause death in extreme cases.

There are two types of angina pectoris – the stable angina and the unstable angina. Stable angina pectoris is some how predictable. The conditions underlying its occurrence are determined, such as too much energy exertion or emotional and mental stress. For this type of angina pectoris, ample rest and the administration of medicine are required. And it usually relieves the pain and discomfort in due time.

Unstable angina pectoris, on the other hand, the occurrence is highly unexpected. It can even happen even if the patient is at rest or is sleeping. The pain and discomfort this type of angina pectoris brings is a lot severe and is usually prolonged. Unstable angina pectoris is prompted by fatty and cholesterol buildups in the coronary arteries. Because of this buildup, the blood may clot and its flow would be constricted.

For people suffering severe chest pains, it is a must that they be rushed to the hospital right away. Their pain has to be monitored carefully. If the pain is persistent and worsens by the second, they are exhibiting heightened risks for heart attack and cardiac arrest that could possibly lead to sudden death.

The treatment of angina pectoris consists of relieving the symptoms that are associated with it, as well as to hindering the underlying disease’s progression and to reduce its occurrence.

Medicines are prescribed to treat angina pectoris. People with stable angina will benefit from a good dose of aspirin daily. Nitroglycerin and beta-blockers are seen to be effective as well. Gentle but continued exercises may also do a person with angina pectoris good. But the regimen has to be prescribed by a competent cardiologist, and that’s because the patient’s condition is somehow special.