SYMPTOMS OF ANGINA
Angina is pain in the chest as a result of the heart not receiving enough oxygen as the result of a reduced flow of blood to the heart. Angina can be in the chest as well as in the jaw, shoulders, or arm. Angina is also referred to as Angina pectoris and can range from being a sudden acute health problem as the result of strenuous activity, or a long-term constantly recurring condition. Common symptoms of angina are a feeling of pressure and squeezing within the chest, heaviness or tightening of the chest making it feel difficult to breath or move. Angina pain can be confused with indigestion or more serious conditions such as a heart attack. Beyond the tightness of the chest nausea, fatigue, excessive sweating shortness of breath and dizziness are also common signs of angina.
There are different forms of angina, stable angina which is common and normally as the result of overexertion and subsides with rest or unstable angina that is a sign of a heart attack or other serious cardiac conditions and variant angina; which is very rare Symptoms of stable angina indicate it may last a short time and is related to exercise or the climbing of flights of stairs, can be a radiating pain going to the arms and back. Stable angina can also be brought upon by mental and emotional stressors. Unstable angina can last for periods more than 30 minutes is unexpected and does not have to be triggered by exertion can happen even while at rest. Variant angina is known as Prinzmetal's angina and is a rare condition that can be controlled with medicine, but it is severe and can happen even while at rest. Prinzmetal's angina is caused by spasms within the heart's arteries temporary reducing blood flow. Angina in women has a distinct feeling separate from traditional angina symptoms usually taking on the form of a stabbing, sharp chest pain as well as abdominal pain and shortness of breath.
Angina may be a sign of underlying problems such as Coronary Artery Disease which restricts blood flow to the heart. People at risk for angina are tobacco users, diabetics, those with high blood pressure and those with high cholesterol. Obesity, stress and lack of exercise can trigger episodes of angina and medical treatment should be sought if chest pains no dot subside with rest or lasts longer than a few minutes.