Angina pectoris

Angina is a pain or discomfort in the chest caused by ischemia or a lack of proper blood supply to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease. It is a fairly common ailment, but if left untreated, it can lead to a myocardial infarction.

The most common cause is the reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle, therefore, it does not receive enough oxygen supply (ischemia). This usually happens due to the presence of atheroma plaques or atherosclerosis inside the arteries, making them narrower.

The following risk factors related to angina pectoris have been identified:

• Age, as it is more common after the age of 60.
• Family and personal history of coronary disease.
• Smoking, which can weaken the arterial walls.
• Diabetes, a disease that can accelerate atherosclerosis if not properly controlled.
• Hypertension, which can damage arteries over time.
• Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Obesity and overweight.
• Certain medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, or metabolic syndrome.
• Stress.

The symptoms of angina pectoris can vary depending on the type. Among them are stable angina, which is the most common type where symptoms appear during physical activity; unstable angina, which occurs at rest and is a medical emergency; variant angina caused by spasms of the coronary arteries; and refractory angina with recurrent symptomatic episodes.

The main symptom of angina pectoris is pain or discomfort in the chest area, but it can also cause the following symptoms:

• Burning sensation
• Pressure or squeezing pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, and/or back
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

The main cause of angina pectoris is the presence of atheroma plaques in the walls of blood vessels, so the best way to prevent it is to reduce the factors that promote its appearance. These include:

• Avoiding tobacco
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Engaging in regular physical exercise
• Losing weight if necessary
• Properly controlling other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemias
• Reducing stress