What Is Stable Angina?
Stable angina, also called exertional angina, is chest discomfort or pain due to stress or exertion. The pain commences suddenly, often without warning, worsening for a few minutes before gradually abating and easing off on its own. Stable angina is not a heart attack, but it is a warning sign and patients who experience its discomfort are more likely to develop heart problems than those who don’t.
Other People Are Reading
-
Causes
-
The heart muscle constantly pumps blood to all parts of the body. It needs a continuous supply of nutrients and oxygen to function effectively, which are supplied by the coronary arteries. The harder it works, the more nutrients and oxygen it requires. A clogging (due to an excessive build up of plaque) or narrowing of the coronary arteries affects the amount of nutrient and oxygen supply, which in turn decreases the blood supply to the heart. This brings on symptoms of stable angina.
Occurrence
-
Stable angina occurs when the demand for oxygen is high and its supply to the heart is low. This commonly occurs with exertion, including climbing stairs, walking uphill or running. The heart is constantly trying to readjust by working harder to seek more oxygen—the supply of which is diminished due to a fault in the coronary arteries.
-
Symptoms
-
Common symptoms of stable angina include discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders, chest, arms or back; a pressing or squeezing sensation in the chest; shortness of breath and fatigue; nausea and indigestion; weakness, lightheadedness and sweating. These symptoms typically last anywhere between two to five minutes and stabilize with rest.
Treatment
-
Stable angina is treated by controlling its risk factors. According to Arthur Selzer in the book “Understanding Heart Disease,” stable angina is treated with interventional therapy or medical therapy.
Interventional therapy involves coronary bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty. Medical therapy includes the usage of certain drugs, such as nitroglycerin beta-adrenergic blocking agents and long-acting nitrates, to provide relief from chest discomfort. These drugs are typically administered in tablet form.
Prevention
-
Maintaining optimal weight; eating a balanced diet that is rich in fiber, vegetables and fruit; consuming alcohol in moderation; regular aerobic exercise (swimming, cycling or brisk walking); reducing stress by meditation or other outlet; and going for routine checkups are all measures that can lessen the chances of a stable angina attack.
-
References
- Photo Credit running image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
