Angina is also commonly known as Angina Pectoris. This condition is characterised by recurrent pains in the chest, which are very often confused with the symptoms associated with the onset of a heart attack. In fact, Angina is a symptom of heart disease, in that it shows that there is coronary disease and that certain parts of the heart are not receiving sufficient oxygen. However, this symptom will not, on its own, be the cause of a heart attack – it is merely a wake-up call to inform the sufferer that there is some coronary disease about and it is specifically this coronary disease which may lead to an eventual heart attack.

The chest pains associated with Angina are caused because periodically not enough blood and oxygen reach certain parts of the heart muscle. This is because the arteries which bring the oxygenated blood to the heart become partially blocked or narrowed because of a build-up of plaque or cholesterol deposited along their walls; or because of the occurrence of a blood clot or atherosclerosis. The pain is created when not enough blood and oxygen gets to the heart’s muscles to enable it to do its pumping job adequately.

In general, the pain which is known as angina usually only starts when one is doing physical exercise and/or over exerts oneself, as it is then that the heart muscle needs the extra supplies of oxygen that are not delivered in sufferers of Angina.

In addition to physical exercise and exertion, there are 4 other conditions which you should be aware of, as being triggers of angina in women. They are:

1. Emotional stress in all its various shapes and forms, which are part and parcel of our day to day existences in the 21st century and which needs to be kept under control.

2. Extreme cold or heat, whether from natural climatic conditions or from the use of heaters and air conditioners.

3. The consumption of heavy meals combined with the intake of alcohol, or the excessive drinking of alcohol on its own, without being accompanied by food.

4. Cigarette smoke which, as we all already know, is a medical no-no for everyone.

As sufferers of angina are at a greater risk of eventually suffering from a heart attack, it is important that they keep a very close eye on their symptoms in order to be able to note, for instance, if they are becoming more frequent, more painful or if the episodes last longer. Should you notice any change in the pattern of your angina attacks, make an appointment to see your doctor immediately, as such changes could be an indication that all is not well. A possible change in your medication may alleviate the new symptoms, or you may need to undergo certain tests in order to assess what is causing these unusual symptoms.

It is clear that if any of the symptoms change suddenly for the worse, or if you begin to have additional symptoms such as a pain in your shoulder or along your jaw bone, you will need to have emergency medical treatment within the shortest possible time.

Author Bio: For more information please visit our HAZWOPER Training and JCAHO Training websites.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: medical treatment ,meals,climatic conditions ,oxygen,blood,heart muscle