A diagnosis of angina can be frightening. It can also be the wake-up call you need to make the changes that could save your life. Angina is a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease – blockages of the vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. It’s a warning that you need to consult your doctor…
Did you know? In South Africa, cardiovascular disease (CVD) which includes coronary artery disease (CAD), is the leading cause of death after HIV/Aids2, and the most frequent cause of death worldwide today.1. More South Africans die of CVD than of all the cancers combined2. A common symptom of CAD is angina, yet many people don’t even know what that is. As a result, it is under-recognised and undertreated.
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Angina occurs when the heart muscle needs more blood and oxygen than it is getting, for example, during times of physical activity or emotional stress. Severely narrowed arteries may allow enough blood to reach the heart when the demand for oxygen is low, such as when you’re sitting. But, with physical exertion – like walking up a hill or climbing stairs – the heart works harder and needs more oxygen.
Prof David Jankelow, adult cardiologist and President of the South African Heart Association, strongly recommends that the symptoms and signs of angina are not ignored: “Angina acts as an alarm bell that our hearts may not be receiving the oxygen they need.”
If you experience chest pain or discomfort during physical exertion, this may be a sign of angina, and is your heart’s way of telling you that there is a problem. Angina is often described as a squeezing, heaviness or pressure-like sensation. It is relieved by rest or anti-anginal drugs.
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What causes angina
The main cause of angina is atherosclerosis – the arteries become clogged with fatty substances called plaques, or atheroma. These cause them to harden and narrow, restricting the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. Angina normally occurs in people over 50. Risk factors include diabetes and dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol levels).
Prof Liesl Zuhlke, Immediate Past President of the South African Heart Association, says: “Angina has a negative impact on quality of life and leads to a 3-fold higher risk of disability,1 a 1.5-fold higher risk of job loss,1 and a higher risk of anxiety and depression3.”
What are the symptoms of angina?
The signs and symptoms of angina can include any of the following:
- Chest discomfort that occurs with physical exertion or emotion (often described as a pressing or heavy feeling associated with shortness of breath and sometimes, nausea and sweating)
- Undue tiredness
- Pain at a site other than the chest
- Sensation of indigestion or discomfort in the abdomen
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What to look out for
Have you experienced angina symptoms during the last week or month? Be ready to answer the following questions when visiting your doctor:
- Is it pain? Discomfort? Tightness? Pressure? Sharp? Stabbing? Fatigue? Breathlessness?
- Where is the pain located? Does the pain spread to your neck and arms? Is it in a specific area or more generalised?
- How and when did the pain start? Did something specific seem to trigger the pain? Does it start gradually and build up or start suddenly?
- How long does it last?
- What makes symptoms worse? Activity? Breathing? Body movement?
- What makes symptoms disappear? Rest? Deep breath? Sitting up?
- Do you have other symptoms with the pain, such as nausea or dizziness?
- Do you have trouble swallowing?
- Do you often have heartburn? (Heartburn can mimic the feeling of angina)
Treating angina
There are two aims in treating angina: to allow you to lead a normal, symptom-free, healthy life, and to prevent the occurrence of an event such as a heart attack. Making lifestyle changes and using antianginal drugs that can help treat heart disease caused by a restriction in the blood supply, is the best long-term strategy.
If you have angina, you must take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Furthermore, you should know what medicines you are taking, the purpose of each of them, how and when to take them, and the possible side effects. You should never stop taking your medicines without your doctor’s approval.
“It’s important to speak to your doctor or cardiologist if you have any of these symptoms,” says Prof Jankelow. “Recognising the signs early lets you enjoy the benefits of treatment.”
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The importance of lifestyle changes
Once your angina is controlled, it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of having further problems in the future. These include:
- Trying to lose weight if you’re overweight.
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Being active and exercising regularly.
- Quitting smoking if you smoke.
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and heart disease in general. You can reduce your risk for heart disease by losing weight and keeping it off. Even small consistent changes can make a big difference.
To lose weight, you should:
- Know your calorie needs according to your age, sex, and level of physical activity.
- Track your calories by keeping a food diary, even for a few days; you will learn a lot about your eating habits.
- Practice regular physical activity; having a healthy and active lifestyle can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
Making lifestyle changes and using medication to control risk factors and treat angina, is the best long-term strategy.
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Living with angina
Angina does not have to limit you. With the right treatment, you can live symptom-free with improved quality of life4. “Ignoring angina is not a solution,” says Durban cardiologist Dr Sajidah Khan. “Speak to your doctor about how angina can be managed.”
Listen to your heart, and if you suspect that you or a loved one has any symptoms of angina, speak to your doctor for more information and treatment options.
Follow the South African Heart Association Facebook page here
References:
- Padala SK et al. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 1074248417698224 Jan 012017
- The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. Cardiovascular Disease Statistics Reference Document
- Jespersen L et al. Clin Res Cardiol. 2013; 102:571-58
- Qintar M et al. Effect of angina under-recognition on treatment in patients with SIHD. EHJ 2016
Information provided by the South African Heart Association
