Understanding Angina and How It Differs from Other Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a frightening experience, often leading individuals to wonder about the underlying cause. Among the various types of chest pain, angina stands out due to its association with heart disease. Understanding what is angina, how it differs from other types of chest pain, and the available treatment options is crucial for maintaining heart health. In this blog, we will delve deep into these topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.

Introduction: What is Angina Pectoris?

Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition is often a symptom of coronary artery disease and manifests as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. The pain may also spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, mimicking the symptoms of a heart attack. However, unlike a heart attack, angina does not cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.

Understanding the nuances of angina is vital for distinguishing it from other chest pain types and seeking timely treatment.

-Dr (Col) Manjinder Singh Sandhu, Principal Director of Cardiology at Atrius

What is angina pain? Typically, angina pain is triggered by physical exertion or stress and subsides with rest or medication. It can be confused with other forms of chest pain, making it essential to recognize its specific characteristics. Angina can significantly impact the quality of life, but with proper management, individuals can lead healthy lives.

Types of Angina

Angina is classified into several types, each with distinct features:

1. Stable Angina: This is the most common form and occurs predictably during physical activity or stress. It usually lasts a few minutes and is relieved by rest or angina medication. Stable angina is an indicator of underlying coronary artery disease and requires ongoing management.
   
2. Unstable Angina: This type is more dangerous and unpredictable. It can occur at rest, last longer, and be more severe. Unstable angina symptoms often signal a higher risk of a heart attack. Unlike stable angina, it is not relieved by rest or regular medications and requires immediate medical attention.
   
3. Variant Angina (Prinzmetal Angina): This rare form occurs at rest, typically during the night or early morning, due to a spasm in a coronary artery. The exact cause of Prinzmetal angina is not well understood, but it is thought to involve hyperactivity of the coronary arteries.
   
4. Refractory Angina: This type refers to chronic angina that persists despite medical treatment and lifestyle changes. It is often a challenging condition to manage and may require specialized interventions.

Causes of Angina

Understanding what is the cause of angina is essential for effective treatment. Angina occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This imbalance between oxygen supply and demand can be due to:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common cause, where arteries are narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).
  
• Coronary Artery Spasm: Temporary tightening of the muscles within the arteries of the heart, often seen in variant angina.
  
• Other Causes: Severe anaemia, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can also lead to angina.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Recognizing what is angina disease involves understanding its symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness.
  
• Pain in arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back accompanying chest discomfort.
  
• Nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness.

Symptoms like these require prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Angina vs. Other Types of Chest Pain

Not all chest pain is related to heart issues. Understanding the differences can help in seeking appropriate care.

Angina vs. Heart Attack

The difference between angina and heart attack lies in the severity and permanence of the heart muscle damage. Angina is a temporary reduction in blood flow, whereas a heart attack causes permanent damage due to a complete blockage.

Stable vs. Unstable Angina

Understanding the difference between stable and unstable angina is critical for appropriate management. Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion and is relieved by rest, while unstable angina can occur at rest, is more severe, and requires immediate medical attention.

Noncardiac Chest Pain

Noncardiac chest pain is not related to heart issues and can be due to gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or pulmonary causes. Common examples include chest pain due to gas, muscle strain, or lung conditions.

Difference between gas pain and heart attack – Gas pain often causes discomfort in the abdomen and chest but is not typically associated with exertion or relieved by rest.

-Dr Sanjat Chiwane, Director of Cardiology at Atrius

Diagnosis of Angina

Diagnosing angina involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect electrical changes in the heart indicative of angina or a heart attack. Unstable angina ECG may show abnormalities even when at rest.
  
• Stress Test: To observe heart function during physical exertion.
  
• Blood Tests: To check for markers of heart damage.
  
• Coronary Angiography: To visualize blood flow in the coronary arteries.
  
• Other Imaging Tests: Such as echocardiograms or CT scans for detailed heart images.

Treatment Options for Angina

Managing angina involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and medical procedures. Angina treatment aims to reduce symptoms and prevent complications like heart attacks.

Medical Management

Angina medication includes:

• Nitrates: To relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow.
  
• Beta-blockers: To reduce the heart’s workload and oxygen demand.
  
• Calcium Channel Blockers: To relax blood vessels and reduce heart rate.
  
• Antiplatelet Agents: To prevent blood clots.

Procedures

For severe cases, angina pain treatment may involve:

• Angioplasty and Stenting: To open narrowed arteries and place a stent to keep them open.
  
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: To create a new path for blood flow around a blocked artery.

Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care

Angina self-care plays a crucial role in managing symptoms. This includes:

• Heart-Healthy Diet: Reducing saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and maintain an overall healthy diet.
  
• Regular Exercise: Improving cardiovascular health and reducing symptoms.
  
• Quitting Smoking: To enhance overall heart health.
  
• Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and counselling.

Can angina be cured by exercise? While exercise is beneficial for heart health, it should be done under medical supervision, especially for those with angina.

-Dr Hemant Gandhi, Associate Director of Cardiology at Atrius

Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Understanding life expectancy with angina depends on various factors, including the severity of the disease, adherence to treatment, and lifestyle changes. With proper management, many individuals with angina can lead full and active lives.

Atrius: Your Partner in Heart Health

At Atrius, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for heart conditions, including angina. Our team of experts ensures that you receive the best possible treatment and support.

Understanding what is angina pectoris, its types, and how it differs from other chest pain is essential for effective management. With proper angina treatments and lifestyle modifications, individuals can lead a healthier life. If you experience any form of chest pain, do not hesitate to seek medical advice from specialists at Atrius- the best heart hospital in India.

If you or a loved one is experiencing chest pain, schedule a consultation with Atrius today for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

By staying informed and proactive about heart health, you can manage angina effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.