Angina pectoris, also called angina, affects many individuals and can be a cause of much concern to the patient and physician alike. Individuals with angina should see a physian for evaluation.

What is angina pectoris?
Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Angina is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia. It occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) doesn’t get as much blood (hence as much oxygen) as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart’s arteries (blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) is narrowed or blocked. Insufficient blood supply is called ischemia.
Angina also can occur in people with valvular heart disease, individuals with enlarged hearts (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or uncontrolled high blood pressure. These cases are rare, though.

How do you know that you have angina?
Many individuals have angina and they do not know. They often put it to a “gas” problem or indigestion.
Typical angina is uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the centre of the chest. The discomfort also may be felt in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arm. Many types of chest discomfort aren’t related to angina. Acid reflux (heartburn) and lung infection or inflammation are examples.

When does angina pectoris occur?
Angina often occurs when the heart needs more blood. For example, running to catch a car could trigger an attack of angina while walking might not. Angina may happen during exercise, strong emotions or extreme temperatures. Some people, such as those with a coronary artery spasm, may have angina when they’re resting.

Why is angina important?
Individuals with angina must not just ignore it. Angina is a sign that someone is at increased risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. Individuals with angina might benefit from medications and change in lifestyles. Regular exercise might be beneficial in some cases of angina.

What is stable angina?
People with stable angina (or chronic stable angina) have episodes of chest discomfort that are usually predictable. They occur on exertion (such as running to catch a bus) or under mental or emotional stress. Normally the chest discomfort is relieved with rest, nitroglycerin or both.
People with episodes of chest discomfort should see their physician for an evaluation. The doctor will evaluate the person’s medical history and risk factors, conduct a physical exam and take an electrocardiogram (ECG). Some people will also need an exercise ECG (stress test), an echocardiogram or other tests to complete the diagnosis.

What is unstable angina?
In people with unstable angina, the chest pain is unexpected and usually occurs while at rest. The discomfort may be more severe and prolonged than typical angina or be the first time a person has angina. The most common cause is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle because the coronary arteries are narrowed by fatty buildups (atherosclerosis). An artery may be abnormally constricted or partially blocked by a blood clot. Inflammation, infection and secondary causes also can lead to unstable angina. In a form of unstable angina called variant or Prinzmetal’s angina, the cause is coronary artery spasm.
Unstable angina is an acute coronary syndrome and should be treated as an emergency. People with new, worsening or persistent chest discomfort should be evaluated in a hospital emergency department or “chest pain unit” and monitored carefully. They’re at increased risk for:
• Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Severe cardiac arrhythmias. These may include ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.
• Cardiac arrest leading to sudden death.

What is variant angina pectoris (Prinzmetal’s angina)?
Variant angina pectoris is also called Prinzmetal’s angina. It usually occurs spontaneously and, unlike typical angina, it nearly always occurs when a person is at rest. It doesn’t follow physical exertion or emotional stress, either. Attacks can be very painful and usually occur between midnight and 8 a.m.
Variant angina is due to transient coronary artery spasm. About two-thirds of people with it have severe coronary atherosclerosis in at least one major vessel. The spasm usually occurs very close to the blockage.

Treatment
Individuals with angina might benefit from medications. Lifestyles changes such as stop smoking and maintaining an ideal weight might also be helpful. Regular exercise might be beneficial in some cases of angina. Various procedures can also be used to treat angina.

Conclusion
Angina affects individuals and all individuals with angina must be investigated fully by their doctors. Some individuals with angina can go on to develop more severe heart conditions. The chest pain of angina can be successfully treated in the vast majority of patients.

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