Angina pectoris, often shortened to angina, is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
It is most commonly, but not always, a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD).
The term derives from Latin and Greek, and means “strangling in the chest”.
CAD is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
It is due to a build-up of plaque in and on the artery walls.
The reduced blood/oxygen flow can cause chest pain.
Here are four facts about angina:
An angina episode is often described as pressure, heaviness or tightness in the chest.
Health experts say the pain or discomfort can radiate into your left shoulder, arms, and sometimes, your upper abdomen, back, neck, and even teeth.
It typically lasts about two to five minutes, and is then known as stable angina.
While stable angina is typically triggered by stress or exertion – such as exercise, climbing stairs or other physical activity – and is relieved by rest or medications, unstable angina is unpredictable.
It occurs at rest or with little exertion, and lasts longer.
It is a medical emergency as it can lead to a heart attack.
If you experience an angina episode, you should rest.
Medications, principally nitrates, can help as well.
The most common nitrate used is nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN).
Within one to three minutes, it relaxes and widens your blood vessels, helping blood reach your heart.
If your doctor has prescribed nitrates, the German Heart Foundation (DHS) advises that you always have them with you in the event of chest pain.
To use a GTN spray, you spray a dose under your tongue, the DHS says.
You can spray up to three doses, but should wait 30 seconds between them.
A GTN tablet should be placed under your tongue and allowed to dissolve.
Possible side effects of these medications include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and facial redness.
The DHS warns that they interact with PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction, possibly causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
If the chest pain doesn’t go away with rest or angina medications after five to 10 minutes, or is much stronger than usual, doctors advise that you call your local emergency number.
You may be having a heart attack. – dpa
