Angina
Chest pain can be a disturbing issue. It can be mild and harmless to severe and life-threatening, depending on its cause. Mild chest pain can be caused by indigestion, for example. Chest pain known as angina happens when the heart doesn’t receive enough blood flow and oxygen. It is also known as angina pectoris.
Causes
A variety of health problems can cause angina and other chest pain.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of angina. Plaque (cholesterol and calcium deposits) can build up in the heart’s blood vessels (arteries). Clogged or blocked arteries prevent the heart from getting enough blood flow and oxygen. Less commonly, angina is caused by coronary artery spasm, in which the artery suddenly contracts.
Chest pain can also occur because of non heart-related problems e.g lung problems such as pneumonia, blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or a collapsed lung, Panic or anxiety attack, Acid reflux conditions, such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or heartburn, Gallbladder or pancreas disease or even due to chest muscles or rib cage bony injury.
Therefore some chest pain is a symptom of an illness or condition that isn’t an emergency. But you should still seek medical care, since you may have one of these conditions:
Symptoms
The common symptoms are chest pain spreading into the arms or the jaw. It may be associated with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This discomfort may be exacerbated during exercise or other exertion. Atypical presentations can be nausea or vomiting, light-headedness or fainting, extreme sweating or cold sweats
Risk Factors
The main risk factors for heart-related chest pain include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking or vaping
- Obesity or being very overweight
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Congestive heart failure
- Family history of coronary artery disease
When to see a doctor
Chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes and doesn’t go away with rest or angina medicines may be due to a heart attack. Call for emergency medical help. Only drive yourself to the hospital if there is no other way.
If chest discomfort is a new symptom for you, see a healthcare professional to determine the cause and to get proper treatment. If you have stable angina and it gets worse or changes, seek medical help immediately.
Angina is not always an emergency and can often be relieved with rest. Medication and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and can even reverse underlying CAD.
Lifestyle changes are an essential part of drug therapy. These include exercising or increasing physical activity. Walking is the best exercise for many people. Avoid intense exercise or physical work. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat healthier and enjoy your food. Include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, and lean meats. Avoid high-fat, high-salt, and fried foods. Eat enough to feel satisfied, but don’t overeat. Keep blood sugar within your normal range if you have diabetes or insulin resistance. Quit smoking or don’t start. Practice relaxation and stress reduction methods. Get treatment for depression or anxiety if needed.
If drugs and lifestyle changes are not enough, interventional cardiology procedures such as coronary angiography with or without angioplasty are highly effective, minimally invasive, causing minimal discomfort, and are practically daycare procedures. Lastly, invasive surgery can also be offered to suitable patients. Do contact us for any additional queries.
Understanding chest pain can help you take care of yourself or a loved one. Be sure to consult your cardiologist if you experience chest pain or have risk factors for heart disease.