Most people confuse angina with a heart attack, so it's important to know the true definition of what is angina. This eMedTV article answers the question "what is angina?" by providing an in-depth look at angina and its causes and symptoms.
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.
The causes of angina vary for each type, 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 chances of an angina attack.
Symptoms of angina generally consist of a pressure-like pain in the chest that lasts 2 to 5 minutes. As this eMedTV resource explains, symptoms of angina are often mistaken for those of a heart attack, so it is important to know the difference.
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 symptoms women with angina may experience.
A doctor makes an angina diagnosis based on a person's medical history, physical exam (and any signs of angina), and certain tests. This eMedTV page describes the process of an angina diagnosis, including common tests, such as a nuclear heart scan.
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.
Angina pain is caused by a reduced supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This portion of the eMedTV website thoroughly explains angina 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 have to work harder to get enough oxygen. This eMedTV article further explores stable angina and its causes, symptoms, and prevention methods.
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 causes the blood flow to the heart to slow or stop. This eMedTV page takes a look at variant angina and offers information on when symptoms occur and how to make a diagnosis.
Prinzmetal's (variant) angina is an uncommon form of angina, as this eMedTV article explains. Angina is a heart disorder that is often characterized by chest pain. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.
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