An angina, also known as angina, is a heart condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. This condition usually occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the heart, are partially blocked or narrowed.

 

Causes:

 Angina is related to the decrease in the caliber of the coronary arteries leading to a lack of oxygenation of the myocardium (heart muscle) which manifests itself as pain typically described by a chest constriction bar with possible irradiation in the left arm and jaw.

The main causes include:

Atherosclerosis: A process in which deposits of fat, cholesterol and other substances form plaques inside the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Coronary spasm: A sudden, temporary contraction of the coronary arteries can reduce blood flow and trigger angina symptoms, even in the absence of significant plaque.

• Myocardial bridge: Passage of a coronary artery through the myocardial muscle, which can compress it.

• Coronary birth defect: Compression of the abnormal vessel path by the aorta, pulmonary artery or angulation of the vessel.

  

Symptoms :

• Angina symptoms can vary, but often include:

• Pain or a feeling of tightness, pressure, burning or heaviness in the chest, which may spread to the left arm, neck, jaw or back.

• Shortness of breath.

• Nausea.

• Excessive sweating.

• Dizziness or vertigo.

 

Risk factors :

Some factors may increase the risk of developing angina, including:

• High blood pressure.

• High cholesterol levels.

• Diabetes.

• Cigarette smoking.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Family history of heart disease.

 

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of angina is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination and complementary tests, such as :

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To evaluate the heart's electrical activity.

• Echocardiography: To evaluate the structure and function of the heart.

• Stress ultrasound: To assess the heart's response to physical effort.

  

Treatment :

Treatment of angina aims to relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. It may include:

• Medications: Such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB-II) to dilate coronary arteries, reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.

• Lifestyle changes: such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation and stress management, cardiac rehabilitation.

• Medical or surgical procedures: such as coronary angioplasty with stenting to open blocked coronary arteries, or coronary bypass surgery to bypass blocked areas of the coronary arteries.

  

In summary, angina is a common heart condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. Proper treatment can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications.