Angina affects 1 in 50 people in the UK and it is a condition characterised by chest pain and breathlessness due to a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. This occurs as a result of obstruction of the coronary arteries, preventing adequate blood supply.
An increase in heart rate means an increase in oxygen demand. This demand needs an increase in blood flow. Angina occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow; or when there is a reduction of blood oxygen-carrying capacity, e.g. an arterial blockage.
There are three main types of angina:
Angina is typically brought on by exertion, extreme cold, severe bloating and stress. Attacks may be sudden, while at rest, or lasting for longer than 15 minutes, but usually lasting for about 1 to 5 minutes, gradually being relieved by rest.
Unless an attack is prolonged angina is generally a ‘warning', suggesting changes in diet, lifestyle and overall health may need addressing.
Please note that if an attack is prolonged however (i.e. lasting for more than a few minutes) urgent medical attention is needed to prevent the development of a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Mild angina usually consists of discomfort in the chest as opposed to chect pain. This may be felt as a pressure, heaviness, burning, or choking sensation. Sometimes pain can radiate to other parts of the body, most commonly that being in the upper abdomen, back, neck, jaw, arms, or shoulders.
Diagnosis of angina is usually made with either a an ECG (electrocardiogram) and/or a treadmill test.
Causes
Most angina is due to atherosclerosis, where the arteries ‘fur up' with fatty deposits, leading to a narrowing of the arteries.
Other risk factors for developing angina include:
· Family history of heart disease