Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness. Angina is a symptom of an underlying heart condition, most commonly coronary artery disease, where arteries supplying the heart become narrowed.
Typical Duration of Angina
The duration of angina pain varies significantly depending on its type. Stable angina, the most common form, typically lasts for a short period, often five minutes or less. This type of pain usually subsides with rest or medication like nitroglycerin and occurs in predictable patterns, such as during physical activity or emotional stress.
Unstable angina, a more serious type, can last longer, often 15 minutes or more, and may not be relieved by rest or typical angina medication. It is unpredictable, can occur at rest or with minimal exertion, and may worsen in intensity, frequency, or character over time. Prinzmetal, or variant angina, caused by spasms in the heart’s arteries, usually lasts between five and 15 minutes and often happens at rest or during sleep. Microvascular angina, resulting from problems in the heart’s smallest blood vessels, can also be prolonged, sometimes lasting 15 minutes or more.
Factors Affecting Angina Duration
Several factors can influence how long an angina episode lasts. Continuing physical activity or exertion can prolong the pain, while stopping and resting often helps to alleviate it. This is because rest reduces the heart’s demand for oxygen, allowing the temporarily reduced blood flow to meet the heart’s needs.
Medications, particularly nitroglycerin, can quickly relieve angina pain by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart, thus shortening the duration of an episode. Emotional stress can also trigger or prolong angina episodes, as stress hormones can narrow arteries and increase the heart’s workload. Environmental elements such as cold temperatures or consuming a heavy meal may also provoke or worsen angina symptoms.
When Angina Requires Emergency Care
Angina pain necessitates immediate medical attention if it deviates from its typical pattern or is accompanied by new, concerning symptoms. If the chest pain lasts longer than a few minutes, such as five to ten minutes, and is not relieved by rest or medication, it is a sign to seek emergency care. A sudden increase in the pain’s intensity, frequency, or a change in its character, especially if it occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, indicates a potentially serious issue.
Additional symptoms that signal an emergency include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Pain radiating to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach also warrants immediate evaluation. These signs could indicate a heart attack or a rapidly worsening heart condition. In such situations, it is important to call emergency services immediately rather than attempting to drive oneself to the hospital, as paramedics can provide care en route.
Angina Versus Heart Attack
Understanding the distinction between angina and a heart attack is important for appropriate response. Angina is characterized by temporary chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, and it typically subsides with rest or medication. It does not cause permanent damage to the heart tissue.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a more severe event where blood flow to a section of the heart is completely blocked, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue. The pain associated with a heart attack is generally more intense and prolonged, often lasting 20 minutes or longer, and is typically not relieved by rest or angina medication. Unlike angina, a heart attack requires immediate medical intervention to minimize heart muscle damage and preserve heart function. Unstable angina is particularly concerning, as it can precede a heart attack and signifies a heightened risk.