Angina is defined as chest pain that arises once the supply of blood to the heart muscles are limited. It generally occurs since the arteries responsible for supplying the heart become narrow and harden.
The discomfort is the same as a heavy, dull sensation or tight chest pain that oftentimes radiates to the left arm, neck, back or jaw.
The pain is typically initiated by strenuous activity or stress and only lasts for a few minutes.
When to seek medical attention
Call for emergency assistance if the individual experiences chest pain and was not previously diagnosed with a heart condition.
If the individual had an angina attack and already diagnosed with the condition, use the prescribed drug. Another dose can be taken after 5 minutes if the initial dose does not have any effect. In case there is no improvement after 5 minutes when the second dose was given, call for emergency assistance.
Why does angina occur?
In most instances, angina is triggered by atherosclerosis where the arteries harden and narrow due to the accumulation of plaque. This limits the supply of blood to the heart and instigate the signs of angina.
Smoking, advanced age, obesity and a diet high in saturated fats can contribute to the risk for developing atherosclerosis.
Management of angina
The treatment for angina is aimed on alleviating the symptoms during an attack, lessen the frequency of the episodes and lowering the risk for a stroke or heart attack.
Various medications can be given where some are only taken if needed while others are taken daily. In some cases, surgical intervention that involves widening or bypassing the constricted arteries might be suggested if the symptoms do not respond to drugs.