What Is Angina (Ischemic Chest Pain)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Angina, also known as ischemic chest pain, is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition is often a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) and is characterized by discomfort or pain in the chest, typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress1 2 3.

Types of Angina

There are several types of angina, each with distinct characteristics:

• Stable Angina: This is the most common form and occurs predictably with exertion or stress. It usually lasts a short time and is relieved by rest or medication1 3.
• Unstable Angina: This type is more severe and can occur without warning, even at rest. It is a medical emergency as it may precede a heart attack8 9.
• Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina: This rare form occurs due to a spasm in the coronary arteries and can happen at rest6.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, burning, or fullness. The pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and sweating4 7.

Causes and Risk Factors

Angina is primarily caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Risk factors for developing angina include:

• High Blood Pressure: Increases the workload on the heart, leading to angina4.
• High Cholesterol: Contributes to the buildup of plaques in the arteries4.
• Smoking: Damages the arteries and reduces oxygen in the blood4.
• Diabetes: Increases the risk of coronary artery disease5.
• Obesity: Puts extra strain on the heart4.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to heart disease4.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing angina involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities4.
• Stress Testing: Assesses how the heart performs under physical stress4.
• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and check for abnormalities4.
• Coronary Angiography: Involves injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries to visualize blockages4.

Impact on Quality of Life

Angina significantly affects the quality of life, causing physical limitations and emotional distress. Patients often experience reduced physical functioning, general health, and self-efficacy to manage their condition3 7. Women, in particular, may report more frequent and severe symptoms, which can lead to a lower quality of life4.

Conclusion

Angina is a common and serious symptom of coronary artery disease, characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. Understanding its types, symptoms, causes, and diagnostic methods is crucial for managing the condition and improving patients’ quality of life.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.