What are the symptoms of angina?
The main symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort. Other symptoms can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulders, neck, jaw, back, or arms
- Feeling out of breath
- Feeling sick or dizzy
- Fatigue
What causes angina?
Angina is mainly caused by a disease called coronary artery disease, where blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed. This can happen due to:
- A buildup of fat and cholesterol in the blood vessels
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
How common is angina?
Angina is quite common, especially in people over 50 years old. It affects both men and women, but men are often diagnosed earlier than women.
Who is more likely to get angina?
Some risk factors for angina include:
- A family history of heart disease
- Being overweight
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Smoking or exposure to smoke
- Not exercising regularly
- Having diabetes
How can I treat angina?
While there is no cure for angina, it can be managed through:
- Lifestyle changes, like exercising and eating a healthy diet
- Medications to help improve blood flow (such as propranolol or aspirin)
- Medical procedures, if needed, to open blocked arteries
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How to live with angina?
Living with angina means making certain lifestyle changes to help manage the condition. This could include:
- Staying physically active in a safe way
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke
What’s the outlook for angina?
Angina can be a serious condition, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people can lead a normal life. It’s important to follow medical advice and check in with healthcare providers regularly.
Final thoughts
Angina causes chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical support. If you are concerned about angina or have symptoms, please speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
