Angina is a sign of an underlying heart problem, such as:
Coronary artery disease
(CAD): CAD is the top cause of angina in men and women. It occurs when deposits called plaques build up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The arteries narrow or harden (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow to the heart.
What other conditions can be confused with angina and why?
Angina can be confused with
gallbladder disease, stomach ulcers and acid reflux
. It usually goes away within a few minutes with rest or with the use of nitroglycerin. Angina is not the same as a heart attack although the symptoms may be similar. Chest pain that causes a heart attack does not typically stop.
What causes angina equivalent symptoms?
When you climb stairs, exercise or walk, your heart demands more blood, but narrowed arteries slow down blood flow. Besides physical activity, other factors such as emotional stress, cold temperatures,
heavy meals and smoking
also can narrow arteries and trigger angina.
How do you fix angina?
There are many options for angina treatment, including
lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary bypass surgery
. The goals of treatment are to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms and to lower your risk of a heart attack and death.
Can angina symptoms be something else?
Angina may not have any pain and instead may present as shortness of breath with exercise,
malaise, fatigue, or weakness
. Patients with diabetes have an altered sensation of pain and may have markedly atypical symptoms.
What are the 3 types of angina?
- Stable Angina / Angina Pectoris.
- Unstable Angina.
- Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina.
- Microvascular Angina.
Does walking help angina?
What type of exercise should I do? Aerobic exercises will provide the most benefits because they make your heart beat faster and you breathe more quickly. You could try walking, cycling or a living room workout at a level that suits you.
What are the signs of angina in a woman?
- Nausea.
- Shortness of breath.
- Abdominal pain.
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw or back.
- Stabbing pain instead of chest pressure.
What happens if angina is not treated?
An attack of unstable angina is an emergency and you should seek immediate medical treatment. If left untreated, unstable angina can lead to
heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmias
(irregular heart rhythms). These can be life-threatening conditions.
How can you tell the difference between angina and GERD?
If
your chest pain is centered beneath your breastbone, gets worse with exertion
, improves with rest or radiates to both arms, it is more likely to be angina. Chest pain that gets worse when lying down or bending over is more likely to be caused by GERD.
What is the fastest way to cure angina?
- Stop, relax, and rest. Lie down if you can. …
- Take nitroglycerin.
- If the pain or discomfort doesn’t stop a few minutes after taking nitroglycerin or if your symptoms become more severe, call 911 or let someone know that you need immediate medical assistance.
What is the life expectancy of someone with angina?
Median expectation of life at age 70 years was reduced by about
2, 5 and 6 years
for those with angina, myocardial infarction, or both, respectively.
What foods to avoid if you have angina?
Avoid foods that contain
saturated fat and partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated fats
. These are unhealthy fats that are often found in fried foods, processed foods, and baked goods. Eat fewer foods that contain cheese, cream, or eggs.
Does angina show up on ECG?
Diagnosing angina
Your doctor can suspect a diagnosis of angina based on your description of your symptoms, when they appear and your risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Your doctor will likely first do an electrocardiogram
(ECG) to help determine what additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Does angina show up in blood work?
Blood tests: The tests can identify certain enzymes such as
troponin that leak into the blood
after your heart has suffered severe angina or a heart attack. Blood tests can also identify elevated cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides that place you at higher risk for coronary artery disease and therefore angina.
Where do you feel angina pain?
Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. This occurs when arteries that carry blood to your heart become narrowed and blocked. Angina can feel like a pressing,
squeezing, or crushing pain in the chest under your breastbone
. You may have pain in your upper back, both arms, neck, or ear lobes.
