What is Angina?

You have probably heard of angina, but you may not be exactly certain as to what it is. Angina is a pain or discomfort that is centralized in the heart. Most people aged 50 years or older, as well as those with heart disease are more likely to be diagnosed with angina. In the majority of cases, men are more afflicted than women, and this could be related to the fact that males are more physically active in overexerting themselves than women.

The myocardium is a specialized muscle that makes up most of the heart. The heart pumps blood all through the body, using the arteries by the heart to transport nutrients and oxygen to it. The oxygen needed by the heart is equal to the amount of oxygen needed by the blood vessels that surround the heart.

Angina is the result of the narrowing of the vessels around the heart. Because the vessels are narrower, there is less oxygen supplied to heart. While the supply of blood may indeed be efficient, it may not be enough for the heart to pump out while it accelerates, such as when you walk up an incline. As the heart rate rises so does the need for more oxygen. But, because the vessels are narrower now, blood cannot pass through to deliver the oxygen. Because of this complication, angina occurs as a warning sign. The pain should indicate that something is wrong.

How do the vessels around the heart shrink, you may ask? Fat deposits can form in the arterial lining, which causes atheroma – the cause of angina. Atheroma and the fat deposits that are associated with it collect over a long period of time. Once enough is collected, the vessels begin to narrow.

The most common symptoms of angina are pain or pressure across the chest, whenever you overexert yourself. The pain can also extend to the arms, the neck, and jaw areas – less common pain can also occur in the abdomen. The pain does not linger for a long period of time, and usually subsides in less than ten minutes. Diagnosis of angina can be a complicated process, as it can also be aggravated by acid reflux disease or by pulling a muscle in the area of the heart. In order to alleviate pain more rapidly, the best thing to do is settle down for a few minutes and wait for the discomfort to go away. 

There are several tests that doctors use to test a patient for angina. Blood tests can be used, as well as ECGs or EKGs. Those who suffer from diabetes, those who have hypertension, smokers, those with high cholesterol, or those who have close relatives with angina are more likely to be diagnosed with angina. 

In closing, if you would like to prevent angina or instances of it, it can be done. Here are some guidelines to follow:

* Stop Smoking
* Take Steps To Lower Your High Blood Pressure
* Take Steps To Decrease Cholesterol Levels
* Keep Your Diabetes in Check
* Lose Weight If Necessary

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