Angina pectoris is a medical disorder that causes chest pain or discomfort due to a decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries that feed blood to the heart, is frequently the underlying reason. When the arteries narrow owing to plaque buildup, the heart may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, resulting in angina. Angina pain is often described as tightness, squeezing, heaviness, or pressure in the chest. It can also cause pain in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. The duration and severity of angina attacks can vary. Some people may have brief, mild bouts, while others may have severe pain that lasts several minutes. There are various types of angina: The most prevalent type is stable angina. When the heart requires more oxygen, it happens predictably during physical activity or mental stress. Symptoms are frequently relieved by rest or medicine. Unstable Angina: This is a more dangerous and unpredictable type of angina. Chest pain might occur even when at rest or with little exercise. It is considered a medical emergency since it can indicate a heart attack. Variant (Prinzmetal's) Angina: This form is uncommon and is caused by a spasm in the coronary artery, resulting in decreased blood flow to the heart. It can happen at any time and is frequently severe. Microvascular Angina: This type of angina affects the tiniest coronary arteries in the heart and is more common in women. It can cause severe chest pain but does not always show up on routine diagnostic tests. A complete medical history, physical examination, and tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), stress tests, echocardiography, angiography, or CT scans are used to check the condition and blood flow of the heart. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and lower the risk of a heart attack. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, stopping smoking, and stress management are all important lifestyle improvements. To treat symptoms and reduce the risk of consequences, medications such as nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and others may be administered. Procedures such as angioplasty with stent implantation or coronary artery bypass surgery may be required in some circumstances to enhance blood flow to the heart. Managing angina requires a multifaceted approach that includes medicine, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical check-ups to monitor the illness and prevent complications, with the goal of improving the individual's quality of life and lowering the risk of heart-related disorders.
