Angina refers to chest pain or discomfort that signals reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of an underlying heart condition. Understanding the different types of angina is important for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate medical attention.
Understanding Angina
Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This reduced blood flow is most often due to coronary artery disease (CAD), where arteries supplying the heart narrow and harden from fatty deposits (plaque), a process called atherosclerosis. This narrowing restricts blood flow, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen, especially during increased demand like physical activity.
When the heart works harder, it requires more oxygen, but narrowed arteries cannot deliver an adequate supply. This imbalance between oxygen supply and demand results in the chest discomfort characteristic of angina.
Stable Angina: Predictable Chest Discomfort
Stable angina is a predictable form of chest discomfort. It typically occurs when the heart’s workload increases, such as during physical exertion, emotional stress, or exposure to cold temperatures. It is usually short-lived (5-10 minutes) and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
Symptoms include pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or fullness in the chest. This discomfort may sometimes radiate to other areas like the arms, neck, jaw, or back. The pain is consistent in nature and triggers, allowing individuals to anticipate episodes based on activity.
Unstable Angina: An Urgent Concern
Unstable angina is a more serious, unpredictable type of chest pain. Unlike stable angina, it can occur without an apparent trigger, even at rest or with minimal physical activity. It is not easily relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, or it may be new, worsening, or more frequent.
Symptoms can be similar to stable angina but are often more intense, prolonged, and less responsive to relief. Episodes may last 20-30 minutes or longer. Unstable angina is a medical emergency, signaling a heightened heart attack risk.
Key Distinctions and Their Significance
The primary difference between stable and unstable angina is their predictability and urgency. Stable angina represents a chronic condition where arteries are narrowed but allow for sufficient blood flow at rest. Unstable angina often involves a sudden, partial reduction in blood flow, frequently due to a plaque rupture and subsequent blood clot formation within a coronary artery.
These distinctions are important because unstable angina is a component of acute coronary syndrome, indicating a higher risk of heart attack or severe heart damage. While stable angina requires ongoing management, unstable angina needs immediate medical intervention due to potential complete arterial blockage and myocardial infarction.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Seek immediate emergency medical attention for new, worsening, or prolonged chest pain. This includes pain at rest, lasting longer than a few minutes, or not relieved by rest or prescribed medication. These symptoms may indicate unstable angina or a heart attack.
Call emergency services if chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain radiating to the jaw, arms, or back. Recognizing these signs and acting promptly can improve outcomes for conditions like unstable angina.