Angina - Defined, With Remedial and Preventative Care

A angina attack is felt as a tight band of discomfort and pain around the chest, generally caused by the narrowing of the arteries to the heart, a blockage of a heart artery or thickening of the heart muscles. The pain is caused by the heart demanding an increase in its blood supply and the flood of this extra blood through these narrow arteries causes the pain and the discomfort. This heart problem is relatively common and more than 5 million people in America have angina and are known to suffer from one or more of the symptoms of this heart disease.

Classified into three types -

* Chronic stable angina * Unstable angina [usually initiate a heart attack] * Variant angina [Printzmetals] - quite rare as it is caused by an arterial spasm

Symptoms associated with this heart problem

* Discomfort - pressure or tightening in chest area * pain - squeezing or burning sensation in or around the chest area * may feel like indigestion with its associated discomfort * pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, back and jaw may also be experienced * shortness of breath * dizziness * weakness * fatigue * nausea * excessive perspiration * palpitations

Angina [all the symptoms above] as a whole is the main symptom of CAD [Coronary artery disease].

Main causes of angina

1) Supply and demand - the differences experienced between these two - the demand from the heart is normal but the actual supply is decreased due to the narrowing or OCVD [obstructive coronary vascular disease] of the arteries that supply the heart.

2) Deposits of unhealthy fat in or on the blood vessels of the heart cause the restriction of blood flow through to the heart, thus reducing the flow of the regular amount of blood required by this organ.

3) Blood clots in these veins or arteries can also present a restriction in the blood flow.

Other causes - anemia, blood pressure problems, diabetes, polycythemia, large meals, heavy smoking, use of cocaine, physical exertion, emotional stress etc

Remedial and preventative care

Modifications to ones life style are needed - changing ones diet to healthier and more balanced meals [this will help with the diabetes and anemia], getting more exercise and remaining fit and active, quit the unhealthy habit of smoking/cocaine and lose weight if obese.

1) Avoid cholesterol, start eating light meals 4 times a day and watch you fat intake [fat free milk, lean meat etc]r
2) Increase Vitamin A, C and E in your daily diet [vegetables, fruits and whole grains will ensure your body gets these nutrients] - these help prevent and can control anginar
3) Follow a regular exercise program - if the angina is really severe please ensure that you are under the supervision of your doctorr
4) Ensure you lose weight [if you are overweight] by following a healthy weight-loss programr
5) Try ensure you get a good nights sleep every night and avoid stress wherever possibler
6) Have regular blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol checks - these can be done at your pharmacy

Remember existing disorders like high cholesterol, blood pressure problems etc need to be treated medically - consult your doctor for other options of treatment [ medicines or surgery] and take care of your health.