Unstable Angina Symptoms and Treatments
Unstable angina is a medical disorder where there is an acute decrease in blood flow to the heart. The condition present with chest pain while one is at rest or doing minimal activity. Unstable angina is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and needs urgent attention. The symptoms may vary from mild to intense but the disorder can quickly progress without warning to a full blown heart attack. Angina essentially refers to chest pain that occurs when the heart is deprived of oxygen. Whenever chest pain occurs while at rest, this indicates the situation is serious. Many people tend to develop unstable angine first thing in the morning.
With unstable angina other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, pain radiating to the jaw or neck, shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, cool clammy skin and a feeling of doom.
Unstable angina is primarily because the blood vessels which supply oxygen to the heart have become narrowed. The narrowing in all cases is due to atherosclerosis or fat deposits. Over time these fatty plaques build up and limit oxygen supply to the heart. In some cases, the plaques can rupture and block the artery downstream initiating sudden onset of chest pain.
Risk factors for unstable angina include:
Men over the age of 45 and women over 55
Presence of uncontrolled high blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol levels
Smoking
Sedentary life style
Presence of diabetes
Family history of heart problems or stroke
The diagnosis of unstable angina requires blood work, an ECG and a chest x ray. Based on these results additional studies may include an: Echocardiogram (ultrasound like device which can image the heart), a heart scan, or a cardiac catheterization. During a cardiac catheterization a small plastic tube is inserted from the groin vessel and images of the heart are obtained using a dye. A cardiac catheterization is the gold standard when it comes to detection of narrowed coronary blood vessels. During the procedure, narrowed segments of blood vessels can also be opened up with balloons and stents.
The initial treatment of unstable angina is use of drugs (nitroglycerin) to open up the blood vessels. Other medications include aspirin, drugs to lower blood pressure or dissolve any clot in the blood vessels. Those individuals who continue to have chest pain or have significant narrowing of their coronary vessels have two options- angioplasty (ballooning) or open heart surgery. Today, ballooning and stenting is the preferred choice and can be accomplished in less than 60 minutes. Open heart surgery is usually reserved for severe blockages which are not amenable to ballooning.
The best way to prevent atherosclerosis is to start making changes in life style. Stop smoking and eat healthy. Exercise regularly and get your blood pressure check on a frequent basis. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid excess alcohol. Unstable angina unfortunately is more a product of our lifestyle than bad genes- so start walking today.