An estimated 6.5 million people in the US today suffer from
angina. This condition is painful and can be symptomatic of other
heart-related problems. Left untreated, angina may develop into a
more serious problem, such as heart disease. Understanding angina,
how to best treat it, and what preventative measures can be taken
to avoid it is important to those concerned with their health.
Angina is caused by a decreased oxygen supply to the heart
muscles, which results in chest pain. A tightening, squeezing, and
aching sensation behind the breastbone is the most common symptom.
Angina attacks most often occur following periods of physical
exertion, emotional stress, or after a heavy meal. The attacks last
anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes in the stable variety of angina and
can last much longer in the unstable variety.
Treatment of angina depends on how serious the condition is.
Stable angina attacks can often be relieved with rest or by using
nitroglycerin tablets to reduce the heart's need for oxygen. Other
medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers,
will help to lower blood pressure and reduce the pumping action of
the heart in order to alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases a
sufferer may need to have coronary artery bypass graft surgery in
order to increase blood flow. Percutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty is another common treatment, whereby a balloon is
inserted into the narrowed artery and inflated to expand it and
allow normal blood flow.
The best treatment, however, is always preventative. By adapting
certain lifestyle changes and being aware of the condition,
sufferers can prevent angina from progressing into more serious
problems. Smoking is a chief contributor, so those who have angina
should consider quitting or cutting back. Physical inactivity is
important as well in order to promote blood flow and healthy blood
pressure levels. Adopting a low-cholesterol diet will help to keep
the arteries open and flowing freely, reducing chances of an
attack. Some medications have been known to exacerbate the
condition, so an angina sufferer should take care to consult their
doctor about all the medications that they may be taking and be
aware of whether they are risk factors. More recently, anxiety and
depression have been shown to affect the chances of developing
angina as well as having an attack.
Even when only experiencing a minor attack, one should check
with a doctor immediately and begin to make the changes in his or
her lifestyle, both mental and physical, so that the angina does
not become worse. If left unchecked it can develop into coronary
artery disease and increase the chances of a heart attack. Angina,
while it may seem only an inconvenience at first, is a potentially
life-threatening disease and should not be taken lightly.
