Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart. As a result, your heart may beat quicker and harder to get more blood, leading you to feel pain. Angina is not an illness. It is both a symptom and a warning indication of cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms

Angina often feels like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back.

• Shortness of breath.

• Nausea or dizziness.

• Sweating.

• Fatigue.

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of angina and may differ between men and women, with women more likely to experience nausea, shortness of breath, and discomfort in areas other than the chest.

Causes

Reduced blood flow to your heart (myocardial ischemia) causes angina. Several problems with your coronary arteries can prevent your heart from receiving enough blood. These include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Coronary microvascular disease

• Coronary artery spasm

Treatment

Your healthcare provider will treat the underlying heart problem thats causing your angina. The goals of treatment are to improve blood flow to your heart and lower your risk of complications. Your provider will give you a physical exam and perform testing to learn more about your condition and determine the best treatments.

Common treatment options include:

• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs to lower your risk of blood clots.

• Blood pressure medications.

• Cholesterol medications.

• Medications used specifically to treat angina.

• Lifestyle changes.

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also called coronary angioplasty and stenting.

Even with treatment, some people still experience angina. Your provider may prescribe a medication to quickly open your blood vessels when you have pain. Nitroglycerin is a common angina medication.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is another option for people with continued pain. This therapy applies pressure to your lower legs to help improve blood flow to your heart. It may help ease your angina.

Prevention

You can help prevent angina by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. Take the following steps for better heart health:

• Avoid smoking and all tobacco products.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet.

• Find new ways to manage stress.

• Keep a weight thats healthy for you.

• Manage risk factors for coronary artery disease.

• Move around more.

• Take medications prescribed by your cardiologist.

Conclusion

Angina is a warning indication of cardiac problems that require immediate attention. Recognizing its symptoms, addressing risk factors, and getting medical advice can all help manage the illness and lower the chance of serious complications such as heart attacks. A proactive approach to heart health is critical to living a longer and healthier life.