Angina

Angina is a medical condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is typically caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. 

Types of Angina: 

• Stable Angina: It is the most common type of angina, where chest pain or discomfort is triggered by physical exertion, stress or emotional distress. 

• Unstable Angina: Chest pain or discomfort occurs even at rest or with minimal exertion, and may indicate an impending heart attack. 

• Variant Angina (Prinzmetal's Angina): Chest pain or discomfort occurs due to spasms in the coronary arteries, which usually occurs during rest. 

Causes:

Angina is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which may be due to high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Other factors include stress, alcohol consumption, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. 

Stages:

Angina can progress from stable to unstable angina, which can lead to a heart attack. If left untreated, angina can also cause heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. 

Screening:

To diagnose angina, doctors at the Cardiology Department of Sterling Hospitals Gurukul Ahmedabad may conduct a physical exam, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, echocardiogram, and coronary angiography. Blood tests may also be done to check for high cholesterol, diabetes, or other conditions. 

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to relieve chest pain, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of heart attack or death. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery or procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Patients may also benefit from cardiac rehabilitation, which includes exercise, diet, and stress management. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of angina, it is important to seek medical attention from a cardiologist as soon as possible. The Cardiology Department of Sterling Hospitals Gurukul Ahmedabad has a team of experienced cardiologists and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to provide the best possible care for patients with angina and other heart conditions.