Most people confuse angina with a heart attack, so it's important to know the difference between the two. This eMedTV page explains what angina is, with a detailed look at the condition, including causes, symptoms, and how it compares to a heart attack.
The three angina types are stable, unstable, and variant (Prinzmetal's) angina. This page of the eMedTV library offers basic information on these three types. The page also includes a link more detailed information.
People with angina risk factors, such as having high cholesterol or previous heart attacks, have a higher chance of developing angina. This eMedTV page contains a list of angina risk factors, with links for related articles on preventing these risks.
Each angina type has different causes, but all lead to a temporary lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This eMedTV page explains the causes of angina and lists triggers, such as physical exertion, that can increase a person's chances of an attack.
A pressure-like pain in the chest that lasts two to five minutes is one of the classic angina symptoms. As this eMedTV resource explains, symptoms are often mistaken for those of a heart attack, so it is important to know the difference between them.
As this eMedTV resource explains, one of the most common angina symptoms in women is chest pain that may feel like a squeezing, pressing sensation. Nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath are also common signs and symptoms in women.
A doctor makes an angina diagnosis based on a person's medical history, physical exam, and certain tests. This eMedTV page describes the diagnostic process in detail, including common tests, such as a nuclear heart scan, and how results are interpreted.
Lifestyle changes and medication may be the only treatment for angina a person needs. This eMedTV Web page briefly describes these options. It also explains how, if symptoms are more severe, surgery may be required to help treat the condition.
Living with angina may not be life-threatening, but it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent heart attacks. This eMedTV segment offers tips on how to make living with angina simpler, including examples of how to control angina.
The first step in angina prevention is understanding the causes, risk factors, and triggers of the condition. This article on the eMedTV website offers suggestions on angina prevention, including tips on exercise and lowering blood pressure.
Because the symptoms of heartburn vs. angina are so similar, it can be difficult to tell them apart. As this eMedTV resource explains, both conditions can cause pain in the middle of the chest. However, angina can also cause nausea and fatigue.
A reduced supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle will cause angina pain. This portion of the eMedTV Web site thoroughly explains the different types of pain and how treatment options, such as medicine or rest, can help relieve symptoms.
Stable angina is brought on by physical exertion when narrowed coronary arteries work harder to get oxygen. This eMedTV article further explores this condition, with detailed information on causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and more.
What is unstable angina? This eMedTV article explains how unstable angina is a dangerous heart condition that could be a sign of an upcoming heart attack. This page also describes common symptoms associated with the condition, such as chest pain.
Variant angina occurs when there is a spasm in a coronary artery, which decreases blood flow to the heart. This eMedTV Web page takes a look at this condition and offers valuable information on when symptoms occur and how a diagnosis is made.
Prinzmetal's (variant) angina is an uncommon form of the condition. As this eMedTV page explains, angina is a heart disorder that is often characterized by chest pain. This page discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.
