Anginal

Anginal is a term related to angina, a medical condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the most common type of heart disease. Anginal pain is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest.

Types of Angina

There are several types of angina, including:

• Stable angina: This is the most common type of angina. It occurs predictably with physical exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
• Unstable angina: This type of angina is more severe and can occur without warning, even at rest. It is a medical emergency and can be a precursor to a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Variant angina: Also known as Prinzmetal's angina, this type is rare and occurs due to a spasm in the coronary arteries. It usually happens at rest and can be severe.
• Microvascular angina: This type is caused by abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels of the heart. It can be more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of anginal pain include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of angina typically involves a combination of the following:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Stress test
• Echocardiogram
• Coronary angiography
• Blood tests

Treatment

Treatment for angina aims to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. It may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
• Medications: Including nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiplatelet drugs.
• Medical procedures: Such as angioplasty and stent placement or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Prevention

Preventive measures for angina include:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Managing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia
• Regular medical check-ups

Related Pages

• Coronary artery disease
• Myocardial infarction
• Nitroglycerin
• Electrocardiogram
• Angioplasty
• Coronary artery bypass grafting