Angina

Angina…better known in society as chest pain, is a very common occurrence in today’s population.  The pain and discomfort that accompanies angina is caused when your heart muscle essentially doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood, which results in a lack of the adequate nutrients it needs to perform optimally.  The pain in angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing sensation in your chest…some people say it feels like an elephant is sitting on their chest, ouch!  

You may hear of other individuals who complain their pain radiating, meaning that not only is there discomfort in their chest, but it also may be felt in their shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.  Pain from angina could also even feel like a bad case of indigestion too.  Due to the wide variety of areas that can cause you discomfort with angina, several tests will be completed to rule the type of angina you are experiencing, if any.  Do not automatically assume you’re having a heart attack because you may be surprised…it could just be indigestion.  Do not cause yourself more worry than it’s worth because that worrying just makes things worse.

Angina is not a disease in itself; rather it is a symptom of another underlying heart problem.  Usually, angina is a symptom of coronary heart disease.  There are several types of angina which we will elaborate on briefly to hit the high points and give you a little insight to which type of angina you or your loved one may be experiencing.  Total Home Health cares deeply about the state of your health and we believe that if you are well informed you will more likely participate in ways to prevent conditions such as this from happening to you.  Listen up!

Types of Angina

Ø  Stable Angina (Angina Pectoris)

·         Chest pain due to coronary heart disease.

·         Heart muscle lacks adequate blood supply when one or more arteries are narrowed or blocked.

·         Causes uncomfortable chest pressure, squeezing, and/or radiating pain.

·         Most likely occurs during times of physical activity or stress.

·         Can also occur at rest if your arteries are severely blocked or narrowed.

·         Pain episodes will follow a distinguishable pattern and are predictable.

·         Episodes usually lasts 5 minutes or less.

·         Pain may feel like indigestion and is relieved by rest or medication, or both.

·         May be triggered by stress, very hot/cold temperatures, eating large meals or smoking.

Ø  Unstable Angina (Acute Coronary Syndrome)

·         Chest pain is unexpected.

·         Usually occurs during rest, sleep, or with little physical exertion.

·         Commonly caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

·         Should be treated as an emergency because you could be having a heart attack.

·         Caused by blood clots that block your arteries, which results in inadequate blood flow to the heart.

·         Episodes may last longer than 5 minutes and may worsen with time.

·         Rest or medicine usually does not relieve the pain.

·         To treat, your provider will have to determine where your blockage is, and to what extent.

·         Once the blockage is determined, further specific treatment measures will be implemented.

Ø  Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina

·         Almost always occurs at rest, usually between midnight and early morning hours.

·         Attacks can be very painful.

·         Rare condition and usually occurs in younger individuals.

·         Pain is caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries (these arteries supply blood to your heart muscle).

·         Coronary artery spasms can occur from exposure to extreme cold temperatures, stress, medications, smoking, and use of cocaine.

·         Can be relieved by taking medication, such as nitroglycerine.

·         Spasms will occur in cycles, and this is a chronic condition that your provider will strictly follow for your health and safety.

Ø  Microvascular Angina

·         Affects the heart’s smallest coronary artery blood vessels

·         Spasms in the very small blood vessels result in reduction of adequate blood flow to the heart which leads to chest pain

·         Episodes of chest pain usually last greater than 10 minutes, and may even last longer than 30 minutes

·         May occur with shortness of breath, sleep problems, being tired, or having a lack of energy

·         Individuals usually notice this during their routine daily life and possibly during times of mental stress

·         Your provider will create an individualized plan of care to work to control and prevent symptoms of this condition once you are diagnosed.

Ultimately, all chest pain should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine whether or not your situation warrants diagnostic tests and any treatment measures.  You should not ignore episodes of angina because if left untreated it could result in a heart attack, or even death.  Never hesitate to seek out medical attention, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Total Home Health has a program that will work closely with you in regards to your needs related to you angina experience.  Our healthcare professionals are highly trained and will remain on top of your condition to keep you well informed on ways to restore your optimal health and prevent future occurrences of angina.  Plus, our skilled professionals will be alert to any changes to your health that need to be immediately reported to your provider in order to adjust your treatment plan.  Our passion is your overall optimal health and satisfaction!  We will be by your side for all your health care needs throughout your enrollment with us.