- Symptoms of angina vary, depending on the type of angina a person has. Typical symptoms, however, include tightness, squeezing, aching or pressure in the chest. Some people may experience heartburn, indigestion, nausea, weakness or shortness of breath.
- Stable angina occurs when the heart is overexerted. It may be caused by physical exertion, stress, overeating, smoking or exposure to extreme temperatures. It generally follows a pattern that can be recognized and therefore anticipated. Rest or medication can relieve the symptoms. Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is rare. It is caused by spasms in the coronary artery. It can be very painful, and usually occurs when a person is at rest. It can be triggered by stress, exposure to cold temperatures, taking certain medications or smoking. Unstable angina follows no pattern. It is usually caused by blood clots in the artery, and requires emergency medical attention. If the clot is so large it completely blocks the artery, a heart attack may occur. Unstable angina is not relieved by rest or medicine.
- Treatment required depends on the type of angina a person has. Rest may help relieve angina discomfort. Medication, such as nitroglycerin tablets to be dissolved under the tongue, are prescribed in many cases of stable angina to relieve symptoms. This helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Some patients may be prescribed beta-blockers or calcium antagonists to help reduce the heart's workload and need for oxygen. In some cases, more invasive treatments including surgery may be necessary. Unstable angina requires immediate medical attention.
- Angina is caused by an underlying heart condition; it is most commonly, though not always, associated with coronary artery disease. It may also be related to conditions such as heart valve disease, an enlarged heart or uncontrolled high blood pressure. A doctor will perform a physical, talk to the patient about symptoms and family history of heart disease, and possibly order further testing, in order to determine what is causing the angina and how severe the problem is. There are a number of tests that can be performed to evaluate the condition of the heart. These include blood tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests, chest X-rays, coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization.
- People at higher risk for coronary artery disease, and therefore angina, include those who smoke, are overweight, don't get enough exercise, or who have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Men older than 45, women older than 55, and people with a family history of early heart disease also have an increased risk.
