What is Angina? How It’s Different from Other Chest Pain?

Angina is more than just chest pain – it is an indication from your heart that an underlying disease may be brewing, or worse, a cardiac emergency. If you’ve ever wondered about Angina and how it differs from other types of chest pain, this guide is for you. Let’s dive in and explore angina step by step, from its causes to its treatment, so you can recognise it and know what to do if it happens to you or a loved one.

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What is Angina?

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Angina, also known as Angina Pectoris, isn’t a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary artery disease. Simply put, Angina occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. This lack of blood flow often leads to a squeezing, pressure-like pain in your chest, though the discomfort can also spread to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

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If you’re wondering, “What is angina pain?” people often describe it as:

• A tightness or heaviness in the chest.
• A burning sensation or pain.
• Discomfort that worsens during physical activity or emotional stress.

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The good news? Angina doesn’t always mean you’re having a heart attack. However, it’s a sign that your heart is under strain, and you should seek medical attention. 

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What is the Cause for Angina?

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The most common cause of Angina is CAD, also known as coronary artery disease. Over time, fatty deposits called plaques build up in your arteries, narrowing them, which restricts blood flow. Other causes include:

• Uncontrolled Hypertension: High blood pressure can strain your heart and arteries.
• Heart Valve Disease: Faulty heart valves can disrupt normal blood flow.
• Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve, limiting blood flow from the heart.

Sometimes, even people with healthy arteries can experience Angina due to spasms in the arteries.

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Types of Angina

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Understanding the different types of Angina is essential because each behaves differently.

• Difference between Stable Angina and Unstable Angina: Stable Angina is the most common type. It usually happens during physical exertion or stress and subsides with rest or medication like nitroglycerin. Think of it as your heart’s way of saying, “I need more oxygen!” Unstable Angina is a red flag. It can occur unexpectedly, even when you’re at rest, and doesn’t always improve with medication. Unstable Angina is often a precursor to a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.
• Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina): This rare type occurs due to spasms in the coronary arteries, usually while you’re resting or asleep. Unlike other types, it’s not always linked to plaque buildup but can still be dangerous if left untreated.
• Microvascular Angina: This affects the heart’s smallest arteries and is more common in women. The pain may last longer and feel more intense compared to stable Angina.‍
• Refractory Angina: This occurs when the heart’s demand for oxygen is more than the supply due to inadequate blood flow.

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How Does Angina Differ from Other Chest Pains?

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Not all chest pain is Angina. In fact, there are several other causes of chest discomfort that aren’t heart-related. Here are some cases of non-cardiac chest pains: 

• Chest Pain Due to Gas vs. Angina: Gas pain often results from indigestion or bloating and is typically relieved by burping or passing gas. Unlike Angina, gas pain is rarely linked to physical activity and doesn’t radiate to other parts of the body.‍
• Heartburn vs. Angina: Heartburn can mimic Angina with its burning sensation in the chest, but it usually occurs after eating and feels worse when lying down. Antacids often help.‍
• Muscle Strain vs. Angina: Pulled chest muscles from exercise or heavy lifting can cause localised pain. Unlike Angina, muscle pain is tender to the touch and doesn’t worsen with exertion.

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What is the difference between angina pectoris and myocardial infarction? 

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This is the big one. While Angina is a warning sign, a heart attack or myocardial infarction means part of your heart muscle is being damaged due to a complete lack of blood flow. Symptoms like nausea, cold sweats, or severe, unrelenting chest pain point more towards a heart attack than Angina.

If you’re ever unsure whether it’s Angina or something else, play it safe and seek medical attention. It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to your heart.

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Angina Pectoris Treatment 

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The treatment for Angina depends on its type and severity, but the goal is always the same: to improve blood flow to the heart and relieve symptoms.‍

Lifestyle Changes: Sometimes, simple adjustments can make a big difference. 

• Quit Smoking: Tobacco constricts blood vessels, worsening Angina.
• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean protein, and vegetables while avoiding fried or processed foods.
• Exercise Regularly: Light to moderate exercise can improve circulation and strengthen your heart.
• Manage Stress: Stress triggers Angina, so finding ways to relax—like yoga or meditation—can help.

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Medications: Doctors often prescribe medications to manage Angina, including. 

• Nitrates: These relax and widen blood vessels to ease blood flow.
• Beta-blockers: These reduce your heart’s workload by lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: These help relax blood vessels and reduce spasms.
• Statins: These lower cholesterol levels, preventing further artery narrowing.

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‍Procedures and Surgery: In severe cases, lifestyle changes and medications may not be enough, and            medical procedures might be necessary. 

• Angioplasty and Stenting: A tiny balloon is used to open blocked arteries, and a stent is placed to keep them open.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: This reroutes blood around blocked arteries using a graft from another part of your body.

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‍Self-Care for Angina: For people with stable Angina, self-care can include keeping nitroglycerin on             hand, avoiding triggers like heavy meals, and pacing yourself during physical activities.

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Life Expectancy with Angina

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Many people with angina lead active, fulfilling lives with the right treatment plan. Regular checkups, adhering to medication schedules, and living a healthy lifestyle are key.

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When to See a Doctor

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It’s essential to know when to seek immediate attention for chest pain. Seek medical help if:

• The pain is new, severe, or lasts longer than usual.
• You experience symptoms like nausea, cold sweats, or shortness of breath.
• Angina symptoms occur at rest and don’t improve with nitroglycerin.

These could indicate unstable Angina or a heart attack, both of which require urgent care.

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Dr. Sandhu for Angina

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Angina is your heart’s way of saying it needs help. While it’s a serious condition, it’s also manageable with the right approach. Dr. Sandhu's professional cardiac treatment helps you understand its symptoms, know the types, and explore treatment options so you can take charge of your heart health.

If you experience frequent or severe chest pain, visit a cardiologist for a thorough evaluation. After all, your heart does so much for you—it’s only fair to return the favour.

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