Angina The Real Heartache

The term "heartache" is often used metaphorically to describe emotional distress, but for millions of people around the world, it holds a more literal meaning. Angina, commonly referred to as "angina pectoris," is a cardiovascular condition that causes real, physical discomfort in the chest.

Risk Factors :
Age: The risk increases with age, particularly for men over 45 and women over 55.
Smoking:
High Blood Pressure:
High Cholesterol:
Diabetes:
Family History:
Obesity:
Sedentary Lifestyle:

Types of Angina:
Stable Angina:
Triggered by physical activity or emotional stress.
Typically relieved by rest or medications like nitroglycerin.

Unstable Angina:
Also known as "pre infarction angina" or "crescendo angina."
Occurs even at rest. May represent a more serious and unstable condition.
Not reliably relieved by rest or medications.

Variant (Prinzmetal's) Angina:
Occurs due to a spasm in a coronary artery, often at rest.
Typically less common than stable or unstable angina.
Chest pain can be severe but often occurs at the same time each day.
Responds well to nitroglycerin.

Microvascular Angina:
Also referred to as "cardiac syndrome X."
Occurs when the tiny blood vessels within the heart (micro vessels) fail to dilate properly. Often seen in women and can cause chest pain without significant blockages in the major coronary arteries.
Diagnosed through exclusion, as other forms are ruled out.

Symptoms :
Retrosternal chest discomfort (pressure, heaviness, squeezing, burning, or choking sensation).
Pain localized primarily in the epigastrium, back, neck, jaw, or shoulders
Pain precipitated by exertion, eating, exposure to cold, or emotional stress, lasting for about 1-5 minutes and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
Pain intensity that does not change with respiration, cough, or change in position.

Diagnosis :
Medical History
Physical Examination
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Stress Test
Echocardiography
Nuclear Stress Test
Coronary Angiography
Blood Tests: cardiac biomarker (troponin), cholesterol level.
Cardiac CT or MRI
Holter Monitor or Event Monitor
Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests to determine the cause, type, and severity of the condition.

Management :
Lifestyle Modifications: Smoking Cessation, Healthy Diet, Regular Exercise, Weight Management, Stress Reduction.

Medications:
Nitroglycerin, Antiplatelet Drugs, Beta-Blockers, Statins.

Cardiac Rehabilitation:
A structured program that includes exercise, education, and counseling to improve heart health.

Procedures:
Angioplasty and Stent Placement and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Emotional Support:
Stress management techniques can help reduce emotional triggers of angina.

Regular Follow-up:
Maintain regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist to monitor angina symptoms, adjust medications, and assess overall heart health.
Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

Effective management involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and potentially medical procedures.

To read more , visit site
https://healthheal.net/angina-pectoris/