Angina pectoris is often a source of fear, as it is commonly associated with fatal outcomes. However, angina itself is a symptom rather than a condition that directly leads to death.
Although angina doesn't directly cause death, it is important to be aware of it, as it may be a sign of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks, which can indeed be life-threatening.
What is Angina Pectoris?
The term angina pectoris refers to chest pain that arises due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
Angina pectoris is a key symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow or become blocked. There are two types of angina: stable and unstable.
Stable angina typically causes chest pain during physical activity, which lasts briefly and subsides with rest or medication. On the other hand, unstable angina causes chest pain that can arise suddenly and persist even after resting or taking medicine.
Since angina can mimic other types of chest pain, it’s crucial to identify its specific signs and seek a proper diagnosis from a doctor.
Signs Of Angina
There are several signs of angina pectoris to look out for, including:
Chest pain
The most prominent symptom of angina is chest pain. This discomfort is often felt as pressure, tightness, or a burning sensation in the center or left side of the chest. The pain may radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw, back, or even the stomach.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath frequently accompanies chest pain. It occurs because the heart isn't getting enough oxygen, preventing it from pumping blood efficiently. When oxygen supply is limited, the body struggles to breathe properly, creating a choking sensation.
Cold sweats
A sudden onset of cold sweats often accompanies angina pectoris, occurring alongside chest pain. This response is the body's reaction to pain and stress caused by the lack of oxygen flowing to the heart.
This symptom is sometimes dismissed or mistaken for normal fatigue. However, it is a vital sign of a heart condition that requires urgent medical attention.
Nausea and dizziness
Some individuals may experience nausea and dizziness when dealing with angina. Dizziness results from decreased blood flow to the brain, as the heart cannot pump blood with enough force.
These symptoms of nausea and dizziness usually occur in conjunction with other signs such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
While angina doesn’t always signal a heart attack, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care. This is especially true if the chest pain is unusual, prolonged, spreads across the body, occurs at rest, or if symptoms don’t improve after taking medications like nitroglycerin.
If you frequently experience chest pain, even if it’s brief or mild, it's important to consult a doctor to identify the cause and prevent more serious complications.
Have more questions about angina? You can consult a healthcare professional using the Ai Care app, available for download via the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Angina. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21489-angina
Mayo Clinic (2024). Angina. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373
American Heart Association (2022). Angina Pectoris (Stable Angina). Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-pain/angina-pectoris-stable-angina
Jill Seladi, Schulman, PhD (2019). All About Angina. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/can-you-die-from-angina
Mayo Clinic (2023). Heart attack. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106
