Angina Pectoris

General Information on Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by a decrease in the blood-oxygen supply to the myocardium (the heart muscle). Angina symptoms may be stable, meaning that they are predictable and are triggered by certain circumstances, such as exercise, or they may be unstable, often occurring without any apparent reason. Angina is often the product of arterial disease, heart disease, anemia, or other condition related to the blood-oxygen supply to the heart. The condition can occur at any age, but is most frequently observed in males older than 35 and postmenopausal women.

Symptoms of Angina Pectoris

Symptoms of angina may be brought on by exercise, strong emotions, large meals, panic, and in high or low temperatures. Some patients with unstable angina experience symptoms while at rest. The primary symptom of angina is a tightness, pressure, squeezing, ache, ‘fullness’, or pain emanating from the center of the chest. Other symptoms of angina may include:

Chest pain similar to indigestion
Pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, arm, back, or jaw

Treatments For Angina Pectoris

Your doctor will perform a medical exam and inquire about your symptoms. Tests may be preformed in order to assess the quality of heart function and to diagnose any underlying conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. After a diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment will generally consist of drug therapy, which will help relieve symptoms, slow the progress of heart disease, and avoid any complications. If drug therapy fails to control the angina, balloon angioplasty to open block coronary arteries may be required. Coronary bypass surgery may be necessary in severe cases. Dietary changes may also be recommended. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above contact your doctor immediately to avoid complications, especially if symptoms persist longer than 15 minutes with rest. If you believe yourself to be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Untreated angina pectoris may result in the progression of the disease. Such progression may lead to instability of the episodes, heart attack, or death.

Personal Experience

Angina Pectoris - personal experiences