Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. The most common cause of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle is coronary artery disease (CAD) . CAD occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked because of atherosclerosis or a blood clot. Other factors that can increase the risk of angina include:
- Physical activity
- Emotional stress
- Extreme cold and heat
- Heavy meals
- Drinking excessive alcohol
- Cigarette smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Increasing age
- Family history of atherosclerosis or heart problems
There are several types of angina, including stable angina, variant angina (Prinzmetal angina), and refractory angina. Stable angina is the most common type and is caused by CAD. Variant angina is caused by a spasm in the hearts arteries that temporarily reduces blood flow. Refractory angina occurs when angina episodes are frequent despite a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
It is important to note that angina is not a disease, but rather a symptom and a warning sign of heart disease. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Making lifestyle changes to keep the heart healthy, such as having a balanced diet, cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking, losing weight if overweight, and exercising regularly, can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
