Angina is heart pain caused by an imbalance between oxygen demand and its
supply to the heart muscle. It is usually brought on by exertion. Angina
can be caused by cholesterol build-up within a blood vessel or an arterial
spasm. The heart needs oxygen to do its work. The heart gets its oxygen
from the blood flowing through the coronary arteries. Angina can occur if
there is an increase in the heart’s workload that exceeds the arteries’
ability to supply enough oxygen to satisfy the heart’s needs.
Angina pain is often described as a:
Tightness or squeezing in the chest
Heaviness or weight on the chest
Chest pain from angina can spread (radiate):
Down the left arm (most common site)
To the left shoulder
To the back
To the neck or lower jaw
Down the right arm
The pain of angina occurs during activities that make the heart work
harder, such as:
Any physical activity (climbing stairs, having sex)
Eating a large meal
Emotional stress
Exposure to cold
Other symptoms of angina include shortness of breath, nausea, and a
cold, sweaty feeling. Angina is often relieved by rest and medications.
Many different drugs can be used to treat angina, including nitrates,
beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and lipid lowered agents like "statin"
drugs. The choice of drug is based on the patient’s medical history and
the cause and severity of the angina.
Lifestyle changes are important in controlling episodes of angina. For
many, weight loss, smoking cessation, proper diet and exercise can often
control symptoms. When drugs and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to
control angina, invasive measures such as
coronary artery bypass
surgery and
angioplasty
may be necessary.
If you experience any episodes of chest pain, please check with your
physician. Heart disease is the number one killer in Georgia and the
number one killer of women.
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