Covenant Family Practice - Angina Pectoris

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Angina Pectoris

Written by Robert A Wilson

Friday, 16 February 2007

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Angina pectoris is the term used to describe pain around the heart caused by too little oxygen getting to the heart muscle. It is usually felt under the sternum (breastbone), in the left shoulder and down the left arm and may even radiate to the jaw or back. Exercise, increased activity, emotional upset or stress most often brings it on. Causes include coronary artery disease (partial blockage or spasm of arteries supplying blood to the heart), rapid heartbeat, and heart valve disease. With coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, arteries may be unable to cope with increased demand when activity is increased thus resulting in restricted flow. Angina usually affects men over age 35 and postmenopausal women. Risk increases with family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, excess salt or fat intake, use of oral contraceptives, fatigue, sedentary lifestyle, overwork or stress, anemia, overactive thyroid, and certain respiratory problems.

Symptoms may include:

Tightness, squeezing, pressure or ache in the chest that may be severe.
Sudden difficulty breathing.
Frequent chest pain similar to indigestion.
Choking feeling in the throat.
Heaviness, numbness, tingling or ache in the arm, shoulder, elbow or hand (usually left side).
Pain between the shoulders.
Pulse is usually rapid and you may have an abnormal heart rhythm.
Increased blood pressure.
Feeling anxious or fearful with an attack.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

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Newsflash

Weight loss and reduced waist circumference are related to an improvement in heart health and factors related to metabolic syndrome. According to a new study, supplementing with calcium and vitamin D during weight loss enhances heart health benefits in women with typically low calcium intake.