Angina Pectoris

Treating angina pectoris

Source: Diana Hysi

Treatment

Those suffering from angina pectoris do not have to constantly rest, except for cases in which the pain episodes are frequent and severe. These patients should however avoid great exhaustion, emotional stress and quit smoking.

  • They should medicate for arterial blood pressure, take medication for lipid stabilization etc.
  • They should also partake in physical exercise, which helps in facilitating blood circulation in coronary vessels.
  • They should consume a reasonable diet to maintain a healthy to low body mass.

Medication

  1. Nitroglycerine (fast-acting)
  2. Nitroglycerine (monosorbit dinitrate)used long term to increase the dilation of the blood vessels, increase circulation.
  3. Beta-blockers which regulate the heart rhythm, which is prone to disruption. It alleviates the angina crises. (Atenolol, Bisoprolol etc)
  4. Sedatives (tranquilizers which lower psychological stress and lower the instances of pain).
  5. Patients suffering from angina pectoris should subject themselves to the following tests:
    • EcG, the exertion test, a coronarography. Through these one can medically ascertain whether invasive surgery is pertinent. A common method is primary percutaneous coronary revascularization.

Articles for Angina Pectoris

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Causes of angina pectoris

The main and most common factor is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (arteries of the heart). This is the case in 90% of angina pectoris cases. Other causes include: stenosis of the ostium of the aorta, insufficiency of the aorta, etc.

Diagnosis of angina pectoris

Differential diagnosis include: infarction of the myocardis, heart neurosis, paroxysmal tachycardia, acute pericarditis, etc. Patients experiencing such symptoms should immediately refer to a doctor, regardless of the severity of the pain.

Doctor - patient conversation

Patients who experience angina pain, are usually very agitated and anxious, at times pale, perspiration visible on the forehead, scared of potential imminent death. At times, patient experiences problems with urination and defecation, sometimes urinating frequently or not at all.

Introduction

Angina pectoris (stenocardia) is the result of myocardial ischemia (i.e. not the disease itself). Stenocardia (chest pain) is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease.

Symptoms of angina pectoris

Patients start to feel pain or discomfort: occurs when the heart must work harder, usually during physical exertion; doesn't come as a surprise, and episodes of pain tend to be alike; usually lasts a short time (5 minutes or less); is relieved by rest or medicine, etc.

Treating angina pectoris

Those suffering from angina pectoris do not have to constantly rest, except for cases in which the pain episodes are frequent and severe. These patients should however avoid great exhaustion, emotional stress and quit smoking.

Why does the pain occur in angina pectoris?

The pain comes as a consequence of the lack of oxygen in the heart muscle, which in turn, comes as a consequence of lack of blood circulation in the heart blood vessels (less blood circulating). The lack of oxygen triggers interoceptive nerve endings.