Angina

What is angina?

Angina is the medical term for a symptom of coronary artery disease that occurs when blood flow and oxygen to the heart is restricted. It is typified by a chest pain or discomfort that is:

• Usually described as a squeezing, burning or suffocating feeling, typically felt in the centre of the chest or behind the breastbone.
• More commonly occurs during exertion or periods of physical activity and worsens with an increase in duration and level of activity. It will usually improve or resolve at rest.
• Can also occur when exposed to very cold temperatures that cause blood vessels to constrict, or after a very large meal.
• Usually only experienced for a short period of time, maybe lasting for a few minutes.
• May be accompanied by shortness of breath and/or fatigue.

Angina is a sign that you are at risk of heart attack. However, while angina indicates that there is reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart, heart attack occurs because there is complete blockage of blood flow to the heart and heart damage is occurring.

The chest pain experienced during heart attack is usually described as more severe than angina and unlike angina, the pain can occur at rest and does not ease after taking nitrates. The person experiencing a heart attack may also appear to be in a more serious condition than if they were just experiencing angina, with palpitations or more serious symptoms such as cyanosis (blue tinge to the tongue or other mucous membranes).

Types of angina

There are two types of angina that may indicate different risks of heart attack:

• Stable angina is usually only short-lived (5-15 minutes) and typically occurs during physical exertion and is relieved by rest or nitrate administration.

• Unstable angina represents a high risk of heart attack and should be reported to your healthcare professional immediately for medical treatment to avoid heart attack. It usually occurs very suddenly, even at rest, lasting and worsening over a longer period (more than 20 minutes) and is often not relieved by nitrates.

How do you treat angina?

Because angina is caused by coronary artery disease, lifestyle management, such as healthy diet and regular physical exercise, can help manage angina and reduce the risk of heart attack.

Additionally, nitrates can be used to relieve angina.