Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when part of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood.

It is a common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which develops when the arteries of the heart become partially or totally blocked.

The sensation of angina is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest.

It may feel like a heavy weight lying on the chest.

Here are some key points about angina:

• Causes: Angina occurs due to restricted blood supply to the heart muscles. It is a symptom of a heart condition and not a disease. There are different types of angina:
  • Stable Angina: Chest pain follows a regular pattern in terms of frequency, intensity, and duration, usually occurring after physical or mental exertion.
  • Unstable Angina: Symptoms worsen even at rest and may be a medical emergency.
  • Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina): Rare form caused by coronary artery spasm at rest.
• Risk Factors: Hypertension, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, smoking, diabetes, family history, stress, and obesity.
• Complications: Angina can lead to complications such as heart attack and sudden cardiac death.
• Prevention: Strategies include quitting smoking, managing health conditions, maintaining a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and practicing stress-relieving techniques.
• Diagnosis: Various tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG), troponin test, nuclear stress test, and coronary angiogram, help confirm the condition.
• Treatment options: Treatment depends on severity and may involve lifestyle changes, medications (such as nitrates, antiplatelet drugs, beta blockers, and statins), angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Remember to seek medical attention if you experience new, severe, or persistent symptoms related to angina. Always consult with a Cardiologist or your healthcare provider for personalized advice and management options.