People with angina are at a higher risk for a heart attack, but it is treatable and possible to recover. In addition to taking medication and making healthy lifestyle choices, talking to other people with angina can help you learn how to cope with your symptoms. You may also want to talk to your family members about what you are going through and what they can do to help you.
Stable angina
Stable angina is a condition where your chest hurts. This discomfort is often caused by coronary artery disease, leading to other serious heart problems. These problems include blood clots and plaque forming inside the artery walls. When this happens, the artery becomes narrowed, and oxygen-rich blood cannot flow as easily to the heart. This causes chest discomfort, which is often described as a heavy weight on the chest. The pain can also extend to the arms and shoulders.
Treatment for stable angina consists of optimizing lifestyle factors and taking preventive medications. These medications include lipid-lowering and antiplatelet agents. Antianginal medications are also used to reduce angina symptoms. Surgical intervention may be used if the symptoms are severe or the quality of life is negatively impacted. An interdisciplinary approach to treatment is essential because a multidisciplinary team approach reduces the risk of future myocardial infarction.
Myocardial ischemia
High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are common risk factors for myocardial ischemia. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can lead to a lifetime of better heart health. If you experience chest pain or other symptoms of myocardial ischemia, visit your physician for an evaluation. Your doctor will likely refer you to a heart specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Write down any symptoms you experience before your appointment to ensure your doctor can provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment.
You’ll notice several features that may be anginal equivalents during a physical examination. These include chest pain, belching, indigestion, lightheadedness, fatigue, and diaphoresis. These are more common in women than in men and may occur in conjunction with other causes of chest pain. In some cases, angina may present as an anginal equivalent without the presence of other signs and symptoms.
Exercise
The best exercise for angina is a gentle one that does not cause too much strain. It can help reduce the condition’s symptoms and help you get back to a normal lifestyle. To do this, find an exercise that you enjoy doing. Ideally, you should find a partner or friend to work out with and start slowly. You can also look for exercises online and find a workout that suits your schedule. Always warm up slowly before you start an exercise, as this will reduce the chance of angina symptoms.
Using the AC of S guidelines, an exercise program is an excellent way to prevent angina symptoms and help you maintain a healthy heart. Cardiovascular exercise is low-intensity and can be performed for an extended period. Examples of aerobic exercises include walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. To avoid overdoing it, however, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.
Stress
Research shows that chronic stress increases the risk of a heart attack. High blood pressure and heart rate are two major contributing factors. Also, high levels of stress hormones cause the arteries to spasm. In severe cases, heart muscle weakness may occur. This condition may mimic a heart attack and requires emergency treatment.
Although the study was small, it suggests that stress might cause angina in people who already have the disease. However, it is essential to note that the study authors also acknowledge the limitations of their study. One limitation is that they used standard stress induction protocols, which may not reflect real-life stressors. Another is that the authors retrospectively collected angina symptoms, which may have led to incomplete responses. Further research is needed to determine whether stress plays a role in angina development.
Anger
Anger is an emotion we all experience at some point in our lives. However, frequent and prolonged anger can seriously threaten our cardiovascular health. This is because anger activates a robust adrenaline response known as the “fight or flight” response. Originally a human survival mechanism, this response causes the heart to beat faster, blood pressure to increase, and muscles to contract.
Studies have shown that anger can cause heart attacks and other heart-related problems, including a stroke. Angry people are more likely to have a heart attack than non-angry individuals. Angry people also have a higher risk of sudden death. In a recent study published in the peer-reviewed European Heart Journal, researchers from Harvard Medical School and the US National Institutes of Health showed that angry people had a greater risk of heart-related events.
Cold
The physiological response to exposure to cold is not the same in all individuals. It increases heart rate and coronary blood flow, but the severity of symptoms may vary among individuals. The reason is not entirely understood, but it is believed that cold sensitivity can contribute to the occurrence of cold angina. This is supported by an extensive study conducted by Swedish experts.
The underlying cause of angina is decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. This is important because blood carries oxygen to the heart muscle. The heart muscle becomes exhausted when blood flow is reduced, and symptoms begin. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of reduced blood flow to the heart. This disease causes the arteries to become narrow and clogged with plaque, a process known as atherosclerosis.
