What is Stable Angina?
- Stable Angina Pathophysiology: It contains the primary cause of narrowed coronary arteries. Fat accumulation in the arteries that settles and becomes plaques. Stable angina pathophysiology is also known as the process, atherosclerosis. When a person tries to exert themselves, their body needs more oxygen. The decreased blood supply can't accommodate it. The lack of blood leads to chest pain.
- Stable Angina and Unstable Angina: Stable angina should be expected. It occurs very often and in a predictable way. It also occurs predictably. Unstable angina should not occur. It occurs unexpectedly, hurts a lot, and should not be anticipated. It may occur while at rest. Unstable angina must occur rapidly.
Symptoms of Stable Angina
- Stable angina symptoms prompt early treatment. Spontaneous, predictable sequence of symptoms.
- Chest pain or discomfort: Typically squeezing, heaviness, or burning behind breastbone.
- Radiating: Pain goes to shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
- With effort: Don't know if it's at rest or on heavy work; often with effort of climbing stairs, walking uphill or with tension.
- Relieved by nitroglycerin or rest: Relieved within minutes.
- Other symptoms: Shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, or nausea can accompany the pain in the chest.
Causes and Risk Factors of Stable Angina
Stable Angina Causes
- Spasm of coronary artery
- Severe anemia (low red cell count)
- Aortic valve disease
- Chronic high blood pressure that is not yet treated
Risk Factors of Stable Angina
- Age: Men over 45 years and women over 55 years are at risk.
- Sex: Women are less susceptible to it, but after menopause there is a risk factor for females.
- Family history: There is family history of heart disease and thus the patient is at risk.
- Increased blood pressure or elevated level of cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity and obesity
- Chronic stress
Diagnosis of Stable Angina
- Medical history: Precipitating factors interview, duration, and relief of chest pain.
- Physical examination: Taking of blood pressure, pulse rate, and heart sound.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Demonstrates heart rhythm and sign of diminished blood supply.
- Stress test: Monitor of heart function with exercise or drug-induced stress.
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound evaluation of heart structure and function.
- Coronary angiography: Contrast X-ray coronary artery constriction mapping.
- Blood chemistry: Cholesterol, sugar, and heart function tests.
Treatment of Stable Angina
Medications for Stable Angina
- Nitrates (nitroglycerin) – calm symptoms immediately with an attack.
- Beta-blockers – reduce heart rate and lower oxygen consumption.
- Calcium channel blockers – dilate arteries so more can pass through.
- Antiplatelet drug (aspirin, clopidogrel) – inhibit clots.
- Statins – lower cholesterol and slow the development of plaque.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs – control high blood pressure and maintain heart function.
Exercise and Lifestyle Modification Concerns
- Stop smoking and don't breathe secondhand smoke.
- Healthy heart, low-fat, sugar-free, and salt-free eating plan.
- Daily exercise. Walking, swimming, or biking daily is safe under stable angina exercise guidelines if approved by your physician.
- Lessen stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Weight control.
Surgery and Procedures
- Angioplasty with stenting – dilates narrowed arteries.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) – directs blood supply through a new route to the heart.
Complications of Stable Angina if Not Treated
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Development of unstable angina
- Heart failure
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
- Sudden death of the heart in the worst state
Prevention of Stable Angina
Exercise as directed by physician
- Eat a well-balanced diet with over-and-above requirements intake of fruits, vegetables, and cereals
- Manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes
- Don't drink alcohol and don't smoke
- Learn stress management
- Attend doctor's appointments
Conclusion