Angina is chest pain that occurs when there is a lack of oxygenated blood in the heart region. In many people, the lack of oxygenated blood is due to partial blockage of arteries on the surface of the heart. These arteries provide the elements necessary for the proper functioning of the heart muscle.
The patient feels a tightness or pain in the chest. The pain may spread to the left arm. Angina that lasts from 1 to 15 minutes may occur following a meal, stress or physical exertion. During physical exertion, the heart needs more blood but oxygenated arteries narrowed by fatty deposits fail to provide the necessary blood.
The pain of angina is similar to the pain of a heart attack. The difference is that at the time of angina, there is a temporary drop in blood does not cause significant damage to the heart. In a heart attack, the fabric part of the muscle is deprived completely of coronary blood. The cells of this part of the muscle dies, this part of the muscle will be no longer functional.
To prevent angina, stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, reduce or stop alcohol consumption and opt for a healthy diet.
The doctor confirmed angina by taking tests such as stress test. An electrocardiogram is performed while the patient runs on a treadmill.
Depending on the size of the stricture, surgery may be necessary. The surgery will be installing a plastic tube (bypass) or the use of a catheter (angioplasty) to clear or flatten fatty deposits inside the artery.
22 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |