Angina is a common symptom of
coronary artery disease (CAD) and is characterized by
chest pain or discomfort. It occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of angina are as follows: Symptoms: 1. Chest Pain: The most common symptom of angina is
chest pain or discomfort. It is often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. The pain may also radiate to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. 2.
Shortness of Breath: Some individuals with angina may experience
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion. 3.
Fatigue: Angina can cause fatigue or a feeling of
weakness, particularly during episodes of chest pain. 4. Other Symptoms: Some individuals may also experience
nausea, dizziness, sweating, or a sense of impending doom during an angina episode.
Diagnosis: 1. Medical History and Physical Examination: The clinician will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to assess the patient's symptoms, risk factors, and overall health. 2. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify
abnormal heart rhythms and changes in the heart's electrical pattern that may indicate angina. 3. Stress Testing: Stress testing involves monitoring the heart's activity while the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps evaluate the heart's response to physical exertion and can reveal signs of reduced blood flow to the heart. 4. Coronary Angiography: This invasive procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries and taking X-ray images. It provides detailed information about the presence and severity of blockages in the arteries. 5. Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to measure cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and cardiac biomarkers, such as troponin, which can indicate heart muscle damage.
The ocular manifestations of angina can include: 1. Blurred Vision: Some individuals with angina may experience temporary blurred vision or a decrease in visual acuity. This can occur due to reduced blood flow to the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. 2.
Double Vision: Angina can rarely cause double vision or
diplopia. This can be a result of impaired blood flow to the nerves that control eye movements or to the muscles that coordinate the alignment of the eyes. 3. Transient Visual Obscurations: Transient visual obscurations refer to temporary episodes of vision loss or dimming. These episodes typically last for a few seconds to minutes and can occur in one or both eyes. They may be caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. It is important to note that ocular manifestations of angina are relatively uncommon and are usually transient.
Treatment: 1. Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing angina. These may include quitting
smoking, adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. 2. Medications: Medications are often prescribed to relieve angina symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. These may include
nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain,
beta-blockers to reduce heart rate and blood pressure,
calcium channel blockers to relax blood vessels, and antiplatelet drugs to prevent
blood clots. 3. Revascularization Procedures: In cases where medication and lifestyle changes are not sufficient, revascularization procedures may be recommended. These include angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve blood flow to the heart. 4. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide education, exercise training, and support to individuals with angina and other heart conditions. They help improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall well-being. It is important for individuals with angina to work closely with their CARDIOLOGIST to develop a personalized treatment plan and to regularly monitor their condition. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help reduce the risk of
heart attack and improve quality of life.
