Understanding Angina
Understanding AnginaWhen your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen you may experience chest pain or discomfort called AnginaPectoris.Angina, or Angina, as it is sometimes called, is a serious condition, but there are steps you can take to manageit, and continue enjoying your life.Men and women may experience Angina symptoms differently but for both it often starts as an aching,tightening or squeezing discomfort in the chest that may spread to the neck, jaw, arms or back.Other symptoms of Angina can include: sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue, indigestion, and nausea.To better understand angina, let's take a look at the heart.The heart is a muscle which continuously pumps blood throughout the body. To do its job, the heart needsoxygen and nutrients. These are supplied by large blood vessels, called coronary arteries.The harder and faster the heart pumps, the more oxygen-rich blood it needs.The main cause of Angina is Coronary Artery Disease.Coronary artery disease develops when fatty deposits called plaque buildup on the walls of the coronaryarteries. As it progresses, plaque can partially block the coronary arteries, and less blood gets to the heart.Without enough oxygen rich blood, angina symptoms like chest discomfort and chest pressure or tightness canoccur.If the disease continues to progress, blood clots or plaque can completely block the artery and a heart attackcan occur. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men, and women.When you have Angina, you may notice that doing certain activities trigger your angina symptoms.Recognizing triggers and symptoms is important.What activities and conditions trigger your angina? What symptoms do you have? How long does an episodeof angina last? What do you do to relieve an episode?You should write down this information along with anything else you think may be important and discuss themwith your healthcare provider.This can help you take steps to reduce and avoid angina episodes and keep track of changes in yourcondition.A sudden change in the pattern of your angina or angina which occurs without any cause or trigger couldsignal unstable angina and needs to be checked right away.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10216B EN UnderstandingAnginaPectoris.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Understanding Angina PectorisOtherwise, it can quickly lead to a heart attack, which can cause permanent heart damage.“I think it's important to make note of things that aren't right. If you're not feeling well, to seek somemedical aid.”Alert your healthcare team immediately if you notice: symptoms suddenly changing or getting worse, anepisode that lasts longer than usual, or one that cannot be relieved.Never be afraid to call 911, if you feel your angina is getting worse or if you think you may be having a heartattack.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10216B EN UnderstandingAnginaPectoris.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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