Angina Pectoris Treatment

Angina pectoris or simply angina is a very common problem these days. In addition to the physical health conditions, today’s fast and stressful life is also responsible to a great extent. Angina pectoris is a condition in which you suddenly experience heaviness and pain in the chest. Angina pain occurs when there is inadequate supply of blood to your heart. Blood supply to your heart is restricted by some blockage in the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscles.
The usual signs and symptoms of angina pectoris are as under:

• Sudden spasm in the chest on the left side. The angina pain may spread to your shoulder, neck and spine.

• Palpitation and uneasiness accompanied by heavy sweating.

• Feeling of heaviness in the chest.

• Nausea.

• Fatigue and weakness.

These are the common signs and symptoms of angina pectoris. However, severity may differ from person to person, depending upon the type of angina as well as health conditions.
In general, angina pectoris is of two types: stable angina pectoris and unstable angina. The details of these are described hereunder:

• Stable angina pectoris: In this type of angina, the occurrence of chest pain is in similar patterns as experienced previously. Stable angina pectoris is provoked by doing some heavy work or over exertion; it could also be triggered by emotional stress and strain. Exposure to severe cold is another cause of angina pectoris as exposure to cold may result in contraction of the arteries, leading to angina pain. Usually, stable angina pectoris is not life threatening, but you must keep in touch with your health care provider if you are suffering from the condition.

• Unstable angina pectoris: Unstable angina is more severe and may lead to a heart attack. Therefore, this type of angina could be fatal. Unstable angina occurs due to sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries. The signs and symptoms of angina pectoris such as chest pain, palpitation, and sweating are more severe here than in the stable type of angina pectoris.

So what causes angina pectoris? Angina pain occurs due to poor flow of blood to the heart because of narrowing of the coronary arteries. The narrowing of coronary arteries occurs as a result of gradual deposition of cholesterol on the walls of these arteries. Due to narrowed arteries, your heart has to work harder in order to pump the blood as well as the blood supply to heart is restricted. This condition ultimately leads to angina pectoris. Factors that result in fat deposition on arteries’ walls are as follows:

• One of the major factors responsible for angina is smoking. Nicotine and other dangerously harmful constituents in tobacco’s smoke have chemical reactions with your blood. This condition leads to occurrence of the angina pectoris.
• Abnormally high levels of bad cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• Being overweight is another major factor responsible for coronary heart disease. Being overweight simply means excessive fat deposits in the body.
• Bad eating habits such as eating oily foods that are rich in saturated fatty acids results in the deposition of fats in the coronary arteries.
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of body movement is another common factor responsible for this ailment.
• Another major cause for angina pectoris is heredity. If there is a family history of coronary artery disease, you are also vulnerable to this disorder. However, you can prevent occurrence of angina by leading a disciplined and healthy lifestyle.

Diagnosis of angina pectoris involves an ECG and certain blood tests. ECG shows the graph of your heartbeat, which helps your doctor in determining the health condition of your heart. From blood test, the quantitative analysis for cholesterol content is determined. On the basis of the test results, medicines for treatment are prescribed.

Angina pectoris treatment involves administering nitrate drugs such as amyl nitrate. Nitrate has the ability to widen your arteries and this helps in improving the flow of the blood which in turn reduces blood pressure as well. Blood thinning medicines are also administered in order to improve flow of the blood through narrowed arteries. If an artery is completely blocked, an open heart bypass surgery may be required. Blood pressure is monitored at regular intervals and also ECG tests are performed periodically. A record of these is maintained so as to monitor the administration of drugs and precise angina pectoris treatment.

In addition to the usual medical treatment, you are advised to change your lifestyle and maintain a disciplined life. Self angina cures involve leading a healthy lifestyle by incorporating a regular light exercise routine such as aerobics and yoga. Diet is also very important for preventing recurrence of angina. You will be prescribed a fat-free diet that includes fresh veggies and fruits. This diet may be referred to as angina diet. By strictly following your doctor’s advice, you can always keep away another episode of angina pectoris.