Angina is a common ailment and can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and treatment. Symptoms can be controlled and minimised with medication and mobility aids.
What is Angina?
Mostly felt in the chest, angina feels like an ache. It is primarily caused by coronary heart disease. Sufferers of angina have described it as tightness in the chest. It can also cause pain in other areas, such as the arms, back, and stomach, sometimes accompanied by breathlessness. Angina happens when the arteries that pump blood and oxygen to your heart narrow. Triggers for angina episodes may include heightened emotions, exercise, cold weather, and eating. In most cases, symptoms only last a few minutes.
Angina occurs more frequently in people over the age of 50 and happens significantly more often in men. Occasionally, angina occurs in younger people.
Other causes of Angina
Variant Angina
This occurs when the coronary artery, which pumps blood and oxygen to your heart, contracts, causing a muscle spasm.
Microvascular Angina
Generally, this is triggered by physical activity or stressful situations. With microvascular angina, the coronary arteries are structurally normal and do not have excessive fatty build-up in the arteries which causes angina.
When you receive a diagnosis of angina, your doctor may also send you for diagnostic testing, such as an ECG or scan.
What is the treatment for Angina?
Your medical professional will usually prescribe medication to lessen and manage angina symptoms. They might also recommend other medications to decrease the risks, such as a heart attack. Some people are prescribed multiple medications, which can be quick-acting or long-term treatments. When an angina sufferer takes many different medications, aids such as pill dispensers or pill splitters can assist in making them more manageable. If medication is not effective, a medical professional might suggest surgery.
Lifestyle changes
To combat angina and its symptoms, consider lifestyle changes. Some of these include cutting back on the consumption of alcohol, adhering to a healthy diet, stopping smoking, and regular exercise with the right supports.
More Information
https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/heart-conditions/angina
