When the Heart Doesn't Get Enough Blood, The Result is Angina

Angina is the sensation of pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest that occurs when the heart doesn’t receive enough blood. Angina can cause discomfort in the jaw, back, shoulders, or stomach. Depending on its severity, angina can be mistaken for heartburn, gas, or even a heart attack.

Angina is a symptom of heart disease and a sign that something is blocking the arteries, preventing blood flow to the heart. There are multiple types of angina, some of which are more frequently associated with certain conditions. There are three primary types of angina:

• Stable Angina: The most common form, stable angina usually improves with rest and medication. It is generally triggered by overexertion and stress.
• Unstable Angina: Often a sign of an impending heart attack, this type of angina occurs at random, with or without exertion.
• Variant Angina: This rare condition occurs while the individual is resting and requires medication.

Causes of Angina

Angina is most often a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD). One of the most common heart ailments, CHD develops when cholesterol accumulates on the artery walls and forms plaques. These plaques cause the arteries to harden and become narrow. Narrow arteries restrict blood flow to the heart. Sometimes, plaques may break off and lodge in the arteries, preventing blood flow entirely and causing a heart attack.

In women, angina can often be a symptom of coronary microvascular disease (MVD). In coronary MVD, the heart receives less blood due to damage in the blood vessel walls. This condition may be triggered by hormonal changes as well as lifestyle factors.

Other, less common causes of angina include an enlarged heart, pulmonary embolisms, and congenital heart disorders. Variant angina is typically caused by arterial spasms.

Signs of Angina to Look For

While angina is most commonly associated with sharp chest pains, individuals may also experience:

• A dull ache
• Pressure
• Tightening
• A burning sensation

These sensations can radiate to surrounding areas like the arms, neck, back, or stomach. Angina may also feel like an upset stomach, gas, or heartburn. Some types of angina cause brief, mild symptoms, while others lead to long-lasting pain or severe discomfort.

Women with angina may experience different symptoms from men. In women, chest pain may be accompanied by fatigue, nausea, abdominal cramping, and shortness of breath.

Different factors trigger different types of angina. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience angina that occurs at random times and seems unrelated to exercise or stress. This may be a sign of unstable angina.

Treating Angina

Treatment options depend on the type of angina and the underlying condition that is causing it. Doctors may perform tests like EKGs, stress tests, and x-rays to determine the source of a patient’s chest pain. Most doctors recommend that patients make certain lifestyle changes to improve their heart health. These changes include:

• Quitting smoking
• Eating a diet based on vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins
• Exercising on a regular basis
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing stress
• Drinking alcohol in moderation

These modifications are often used in conjunction with medications which widen the blood vessels. Other common drugs lower cholesterol, function as anticoagulants, or can help with blood pressure.

In severe cases, doctors may perform an angioplasty. During this procedure, surgeons use a small metal tube called a stent to open up a blocked artery and restore blood flow to the heart.