Angina / Angina pectoris (Cardiovascular Disorders) | Chapter circulation Video 16

ANGINA Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina (an-JIE-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is a symptom of coronary artery disease (coronary Atherosclerosis). It can feel like a heart attack, with pressure or squeezing in your chest. It’s sometimes called angina pectoris or ischemic chest pain. It's a symptom of heart disease, and it happens when something blocks your arteries or there's not enough blood flow in the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Symptoms Angina symptoms include chest pain and discomfort, possibly described as pressure, squeezing, burning or fullness. You may also have pain in your arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back. Other symptoms that you may have with angina include: • Dizziness • Fatigue • Nausea • Shortness of breath • Sweating Types • Stable angina. Stable angina is usually triggered by physical activity. When you climb stairs, exercise or walk, your heart demands more blood, but narrowed arteries slow down blood flow. Besides physical activity, other factors such as emotional stress, cold temperatures, heavy meals and smoking also can narrow arteries and trigger angina. • Unstable angina. If fatty deposits (plaques) in a blood vessel rupture or a blood clot forms, it can quickly block or reduce flow through a narrowed artery. This can suddenly and severely decrease blood flow to your heart muscle. Unstable angina can also be caused by blood clots that block or partially block your heart's blood vessels. Unstable angina worsens and isn't relieved by rest or your usual medications. If the blood flow doesn't improve, your heart is starved of oxygen and a heart attack occurs. Unstable angina is dangerous and requires emergency treatment. Risk factors The following risk factors increase your risk of coronary artery disease and angina: • Tobacco use. • Diabetes. • High blood pressure. • High blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels. • Family history of heart disease. • Older age. • Lack of exercise. • Obesity. • Stress.