Your heart keeps you alive by pumping blood tirelessly every single second. But what if it can’t keep up with the oxygen demand? This struggle can sometimes present as angina, a condition that indicates that there is something wrong with your heart.
If you have ever had chest discomfort or pain that seems to come and go, especially when you are active, you might be wondering what is going on. We’ll explain what angina is, what causes it, and how it’s treated so that it gets easy to find the perfect heart doctor near me.
What Is Angina?
Angina, also termed angina pectoris, is not a disease, but a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). This happens when your heart muscles don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood mostly due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
This oxygen shortage often causes discomfort, which can feel like:
- A heavy, or squeezing sensation in the chest
- Pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath or fatigue during exertion
Angina is a warning sign that your heart is struggling and it should not be ignored.
Types of Angina
Angina manifests in different forms, each requiring specific attention:
- Stable Angina
- Triggered by physical activity or stress
- Typically lasts a few minutes and subsides with rest or medication
- Indicates a predictable pattern
- Unstable Angina
- Can occur without warning, even at rest
- Symptoms are severe and prolonged, signalling a potential heart attack
- Requires immediate medical attention
- Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina
- Caused by spasms in the coronary arteries
- Often occurs at rest, typically during early morning hours
- Can be relieved with medication
Angina Symptoms That Demand Immediate Attention
While angina might seem manageable, some symptoms could signal a medical emergency, such as:
- Chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Sweating or nausea accompanying chest discomfort
If you or someone nearby experiences these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care. You can consult one of the best cardiologists in Chennai at Apollo Hospitals Greams Road for expert assistance.
How to Diagnose Angina?
When you visit a heart doctor, they will perform a detailed evaluation that may include:
- Physical Examination: This involves discussing symptoms, medical history, and risk factors like smoking, obesity, or diabetes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This process measures the heart’s electrical activity to detect irregularities.
- Stress Test: This test is done to monitor heart function during physical exertion.
- Imaging Tests: Tests like an echocardiogram or coronary angiography are used to diagnose and visualize blockages or damage in the heart.
These tests help confirm angina and determine its severity, guiding the treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Angina
The methods involved in treating angina focus on improving blood flow to the heart and reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms. Here’s a look at the options:
1. Lifestyle Changes
Small, consistent adjustments can significantly improve heart health:
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Stay physically active with moderate exercises like walking or swimming.
- Manage stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.
2. Medications
Medications can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, including:
- Nitrates: Like nitroglycerin, doctors prescribe this to relieve chest pain by relaxing blood vessels.
- Beta-Blockers: This drug is prescribed to maintain blood pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: This medication helps prevent artery spasms.
- Antiplatelet Drugs: Like aspirin, this drug is taken to prevent blood clots.
Always follow your doctor’s prescription carefully to achieve the best outcomes.
3. Medical Procedures
In severe cases, procedures may be necessary to restore blood flow:
- Angioplasty and Stenting: This is a procedure where a stent is inserted to widen narrowed arteries.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In this method, surgeons create an alternate pathway for blood to bypass through the blockage.
These procedures are highly effective and performed by skilled cardiologists.
Preventing Angina: Proactive Heart Health
Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent angina.
- Get regular health checkups from a heart doctor.
- Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
- Stay active but don’t overdo it.
- Limit alcohol intake and maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
Angina is your heart’s way of calling for attention. Knowing the symptoms and getting timely care can really help your overall health and well-being. If you have chest discomfort or are concerned about your heart health, don’t wait. Visit the best cardiologists at Apollo Hospital today. Take the first step towards a healthier heart by booking an appointment with a heart doctor near me and make sure your heart stays in the best shape.
