Pain in angina – causes, symptoms, treatment

Proven content

Angina is a disease characterized by the occurrence of paroxysmal pains in the area of ​​the heart or breastbone caused by obstruction and reduction of blood flow through the coronary arteries of the heart. The main cause of angina pain is atherosclerosis.

Pain in angina

Pain in angina is a symptom that occurs as a result of coronary insufficiency, which consequently impedes the supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. We can distinguish two types of angina:

1. stable angina – appears as a consequence of chronic coronary insufficiency,
2. unstable angina – occurs as a consequence of acute coronary syndrome.

Causes of pain in angina

Angina is a condition that occurs as a result of atherosclerotic changes in the coronary vessels of the heart, which make it difficult for blood to flow through these vessels and thus provide the necessary amounts of oxygen.

This is of great importance especially in the following situations:

1. increased demand for oxygenated blood from the heart,
2. obstruction of the blood supply to the heart (atherosclerosis, blood clot).

Angina pains usually occur with:

1. physical effort,
2. spasms of the coronary vessels of the heart, caused for example by excessive vessel reactivity – which also increases the readiness of the vessels to contract – disturbance of the nervous system balance, increased aggregation of platelets or excessive release of substances causing vessel contraction or blood clot, and most often the simultaneous action of several of them,
3. an increase in calcium with a decrease in the concentration of magnesium in the blood serum.

Factors influencing the appearance of ailments are:

1. diabetes,
2. obesity,
3. high blood cholesterol,
4. excessive stress,
5. a large amount of alcohol consumed,
6. smoking,
7. hypertension,
8. anemia.

Symptoms of angina

Pain is the main symptom of angina. It is described as squeezing, choking, burning and sometimes even bursting. Usually it is located behind the breastbone and radiates from the left upper body to the left shoulder, scapula and lower jaw. Patients experiencing angina pain often complain of extra palpitations and shortness of breath (shortness of breath). In many cases, prompt medical attention is needed, especially when the pain persists.

Pain in angina and diagnostics

Pain in angina should be correctly diagnosed as there are cases of missing a heart attack. You can perform a minimally invasive ECG test or a Holeter examination, during which a 24-hour record of the heart’s work is made. Some patients also undergo coronography, which involves placing a catheter in the femoral artery and imaging the coronary arteries.

Depending on the patient’s condition and angina progression, it is recommended to:

1. stress test (echocardiographic or electrocardiographic),
2. myocardial scintigraphy,
3. hyperventilation test.

Pain in angina – treatment

Treatment during an attack of angina pains consists in:

1. taking (sitting) nitroglycerin -2 drops on the tongue or matters – from 2 to 4 sprays; in the event of persistent pain, this dose can be repeated several times every few minutes, but in moderation, especially in people with primarily low blood pressure,
2. ensuring mental and physical peace; place the patient in the most comfortable position for him (preferably half-sitting) in a room with a large amount of fresh air,
3. administration – in case of signs of anxiety and nervousness – sedatives.

The lack of improvement after taking pharmacological agents prompts us to look for solutions by means of surgical treatment. Then it is usually performed angioplasty, which aims to widen diseased arteries and implant bypasses. Currently, such surgical procedures do not carry such a high risk of complications as before. This is related to better postoperative control and the use of newer generation drugs.

General recommendations for patients with angina pectoris include rest and stay at home. It is also important to limit or modify your physical activity to minimize the risk of angina pain. In addition, it is beneficial to reduce animal fats and table salt in your daily diet. Overweight and obesity must not be allowed.

How to prevent angina pectoris?

Prophylaxis of angina is based on:

1. avoiding stress in everyday life – it is important to have an appropriate attitude to life,
2. treatment of primary diseases, e.g. diabetes, anemia, hyperthyroidism or obesity; thanks to this, the risk of angina pectoris is significantly lower,
3. avoiding situations that directly lead to pain.