Definition: Angina is a type of temporary chest pain, pressure or discomfort. It is a symptom of cardiac ischemia - a condition in which the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood to feed itself and the rest of the body. In one type of angina, called stable angina, the attacks happen only when the heart needs extra oxygen, like when a person climbs a long flight of stairs or jogs across the street. In other types of angina, such as unstable angina, angina attacks may occur even when a person is at rest.

Symptoms: The main experiences that people report when they have angina is chest pain, pressure, or a vague chest discomfort. An angina attack may feel like a squeezing vise or crushing pressure deep in the chest behind the breastbone, and may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, back, neck or jaw. People experiencing angina may also feel light-headed and have an abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat.

By listening to what a patient says he/she is feeling during an attack, a physician can usually determine whether angina is present. During an angina attack, a physician will take note of a patient's heart rate, blood pressure and heartbeat. Various blood tests and/or a urine test may be ordered.

1. A heart-healthy diet that is low in cholesterol, fats, and oils.
2. Good control of diabetes and high blood pressure.
3. Regular exercise is essential!
4. Quitting smoking and staying away from second-hand smoking.

Medications used to treat angina either increase the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle, or reduce the heart's need for oxygen. These medications include the following: Beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, angioplasty, atenting, airectional surgery, aransmyocardial revascularization, and axternal counterpulsation. atherectomy, aoronary artery bypass grafting, ainimally invasive bypass

Know yourself and Protect yourself.