Angina is a symptom of underlying heart disease characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It serves as a warning sign of coronary artery disease and requires careful evaluation and management. There are several types of angina, each with distinct causes and implications for treatment.
Stable angina is the most common form, typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. The chest pain usually follows a predictable pattern and resolves with rest or medication. It reflects a temporary imbalance between oxygen supply and demand due to narrowed coronary arteries.
Unstable angina, on the other hand, can occur unpredictably, even at rest, and signals a more serious condition that may precede a heart attack. Variant (Prinzmetal’s) angina is caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries, leading to sudden chest pain that often occurs at rest or during the night. Understanding these types helps guide appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
