Angina is a medical term that refers to a symptom characterized by a temporary, usually intense pain or discomfort in the chest region. Individuals experiencing angina may often describe the pain as a squeezing, pressure-like sensation in the chest, usually behind the breastbone. The discomfort caused by angina commonly radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or shoulders.
Angina primarily occurs due to a reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly caused by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This reduced blood flow restricts the amount of oxygen reaching the heart, leading to ischemia, a condition wherein the heart muscle does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen.
The most common type of angina is stable angina, which typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress when the heart requires more oxygen. Other forms of angina include unstable angina (characterized by unpredictability and potential for progressing to a heart attack) and variant (or Prinzmetal's) angina (occurring due to spasms or contractions of the coronary artery).
There are various risk factors associated with angina, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. Treatment for angina usually involves lifestyle changes, medication management, and in some cases, invasive procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting.
In conclusion, angina is a symptom of chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is crucial to swiftly address the underlying cause of angina to prevent further complications, such as a heart attack.
