Chest pain is a common symptom that can be caused by many different conditions. Some of these are serious, such as heart disease, while others are less so. However, one particular type of chest pain – angina – is often a warning sign of underlying heart disease and should not be ignored.
Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. This lack of blood flow means that the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which can cause discomfort in the chest area. Angina is often described as pressure or squeezing in your chest, but it can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back.
There are two types of angina: stable and unstable. Stable angina occurs when the heart is working harder than usual, such as during exercise or stress. It has a regular pattern and you can usually predict when it might occur. On the other hand, unstable angina doesn’t follow a pattern. It may occur more frequently and rest or medication may not relieve it.
Recognizing the warning signs of angina is crucial in preventing further complications like a heart attack. Here are some signs that your chest pain could be angina:
1. Chest Discomfort: The most common symptom is discomfort or pain in your chest that you may also feel in your neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arm.
2. Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired for no apparent reason.
3. Shortness of Breath: If you find yourself short of breath during normal activities that didn’t previously cause this issue, it could be a sign of angina.
4. Dizziness: Experiencing dizziness or feeling faint could indicate that your blood isn’t pumping effectively due to reduced flow to the heart.
5. Nausea: Although less common than other symptoms, feeling nauseous or having an upset stomach can also be a sign.
6. Sweating: Breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason could be a symptom of angina.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Angina is often a warning sign that you may be at risk of a heart attack.
Your doctor will conduct tests to determine if your chest pain is indeed angina. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of your heart, or an exercise stress test, which monitors your heart while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike.
In conclusion, understanding and recognizing the signs of angina can potentially save lives. If you experience unexplained chest pain, don’t brush it off as indigestion or stress. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to matters of the heart.
