Angina pectoris refers to pain in the chest due to heart problems. There are various ways by which angina pectoris is treated, both old and new.

Angina pectoris occurs when there is not enough supply of blood to the heart. This happens if the arteries taking blood to the heart are blocked by fatty substances. This results in reduced supply of blood, which means a reduced supply of oxygen.

Common symptoms of angina pectoris

• Angina pectoris patients feel discomfort in their chest, rather than pain. Many sufferers describe this discomfort as pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or choking in the chest.
• The discomfort may also be felt in surrounding areas like the abdomen, jaws, back or shoulders.
• Other common symptoms experienced by angina pectoris patients include sweating, breathlessness and nausea.

Types of angina pectoris

Angina pectoris is of two types – stable and unstable.
Stable angina pectoris occurs when the person is doing heavy physical activity. This is because during heavy physical activity, the heart needs more blood, which the arteries are not able to supply due to narrowing. An attack lasts for 3 -5 minutes. The risk of stable angina pectoris developing into serious heart disease is very low.

Unstable angina pectoris can occur even when a person is resting. This is because the arteries are blocked so much that they are not able to supply enough blood even during normal times. An attack lasts for more than 10 minutes. The risk of unstable angina pectoris developing into serious heart disease is very high.

How is angina pectoris treated

Unstable angina pectoris is treated as an emergency. A surgery may be required. Procedures such as angioplasty and bypass surgery may be performed.

Stable angina pectoris may not require a surgery. Medications may be prescribed to increase blood flow to the heart in various ways. Aspirin and nitroglycerine are two commonly prescribed medicines. Medications to lower blood pressure may also be prescribed.

But measures which are included in the treatment of both stable and unstable angina pectoris are appropriate exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, limiting fat in food, maintaining proper weight and controlling blood pressure.