Angina Heart Related Chest Pain

Overview

Angina is a type of chest pain, it occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the heart followed by decreased oxygenation to the heart muscles. It might feel like pressure or squeezing pain in the chest. The discomfort or pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Some patients perceive it just as discomfort but that shouldn't be cared less.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest pain or discomfort, possibly described as pressure, squeezing, burning or fullness, Radiation of the pain to arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back, Nausea, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Palpitation, Sweating, Dizziness

Common Causes

Stable angina, Unstable angina, Myocardial infarction, Prinzmetal's angina

Risk Factors

Smoking, Alcohol consumption, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Family history of heart diseases, Older age, Sedentary life, Obesity

Investigation Techniques

Physical examination, Full blood count, Troponins levels, ECG, Stress test, Echocardiogram, Chest X-ray, Coronary angiography

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle changes: quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, exercise, reduce body weight, treat diabetes and hypertension, avoid stress, Nitrates, Low dose aspirin, Clopidogrel and ticagrelor prevents clot formation, Beta blockers, Statins, Antihypertensives, Angioplasty or stenting, Coronary artery bypass

Psychological Issues

Stress, Anxiety disorders