Characterized by specific clinical manifestations, primarily involving chest discomfort or pain, angina is typically associated with insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. The key clinical features of angina include:
1. Chest Discomfort
The hallmark symptom of angina is chest discomfort, often described as a sensation of pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness.
The discomfort is usually located behind the breastbone (retrosternal) but can also radiate to the arms (especially the left arm), neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
2. Pain Duration and Triggers
Angina pain is usually temporary and often triggered by activities that increase the heart’s workload, such as physical exertion, emotional stress, or exposure to cold temperatures.
Angina episodes are typically brief, lasting for a few minutes (stable angina) to around 15 minutes.
3. Relief with Rest or Nitroglycerin
Rest or a reduction in the activity that triggered the angina episode often leads to symptom relief.
Commonly used to alleviate angina symptoms by relaxing coronary arteries and improving blood flow, nitroglycerin is a vasodilator.
4. Stable Angina vs. Unstable Angina
Stable Angina: Occurs predictably with specific triggers and has a consistent pattern of occurrence. Symptoms are usually relieved by rest or medication.
Unstable Angina: This represents a more concerning form of angina. Symptoms may occur more frequently at rest or with less exertion. Unstable angina requires prompt medical attention, as it may precede a heart attack.
5. Associated Symptoms
Individuals with angina may experience associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or sweating.
These symptoms can further indicate the severity of the angina episode and its potential impact on cardiovascular function.
It’s important to note that angina symptoms can vary among individuals, and some may experience atypical presentations. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and developing an appropriate management plan to address the underlying causes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
