Coronary artery disease
Fatty deposits in the artery
Angina
What is Angina?
Angina, also called angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain or discomfort caused by an imbalance between what your heart needs in oxygen (oxygen demand) and what your heart receives in oxygen (oxygen supply). In other words, it’s when your heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
discomfort:≤ 10 min
In the majority of cases (a few minutes or less)
Chest pain
Lasts a few seconds.1
Did you know?
1.6%
of the world's population is living with angina.2In Western countries:
30 000 - 40 000 people
per million have chronic stable angina.3What are the 4 types of angina?4,5
There are 4 types of angina that can be diagnosed.
1.
Stable angina
What is the cause?
Usually caused by fatty deposits (also called atherosclerosis) in your arteries or blood clots partially reducing the blood flow to your heart
Is there a triggering factor?
Happens because of a trigger (physical activity, emotional stress, heavy meal, etc)
Is it predictable?
Yes
how is it relieved?
By rest or angina medicines
How long does it last?
<2-10 min
2.
Unstable angina
(medical emergency)
What is the cause?
Usually caused by fatty deposits (also called atherosclerosis) in your arteries or blood clots partially reducing the blood flow to your heart
Is there a triggering factor?
Happens with or without a trigger (even at rest)
Is it predictable?
No
how is it relieved?
Lasts longer than other types of angina
How long does it last?
Can continue despite resting or medicines
3.
Microvascular angina
What is the cause?
Caused by spasms in the small arteries reducing the blood flow to your heart
Is there a triggering factor?
Happens with or without a trigger (even at rest)
Is it predictable?
No
how is it relieved?
Can continue despite resting or medicines
How long does it last?
Can continue despite resting or medicines
4.
Variant angina
(also called Prinzmetal angina)
What is the cause?
Caused by a sudden spasm in the arteries of your heart reducing the blood flow to your heart
Is there a triggering factor?
Usually happens between midnight and early morning while you are at rest
Is it predictable?
Yes (usually)
how is it relieved?
By angina medicines
How long does it last?
Usually <15 min
1 | 4
What does it look like in your blood vessels?
1
2
Stable and unstable angina
Fatty deposits in the artery or blood clots partially reducing the blood flow to the heart
3
Microvascular angina and variant angina
Spasms reducing the blood flow to the heart
4
Heart attack
Obstruction caused by fatty deposits and blood clots
Important
If you experience any chest pain, STOP whatever you are doing and follow you doctor's advice!
What are the multiple faces of angina?4,6
Of the 4 types of angina, depending on the type you have been diagnosed with and your risk factors, the symptoms vary from person to person in terms of location, frequency, and severity. Chest pain, chest tightness/heaviness, and fatigue are the main symptoms.
Have a look at the multiple faces of angina
Have a look at the multiple faces of angina
Most common angina symptoms
67.3%
CHEST TIGHTNESS / HEAVINESS
57.1%
CHEST PAIN
55.0%
FATIGUE
50.0%
BREATHING
DIFFICULTIES
DIFFICULTIES
Other symptoms
30.9%
STRESS / ANXIETY / DEPRESSION
16.3%
STRONG SWEAT
22.8%
ARRHYTHMIA / TACHYCARDIA
12.6%
JAW/NECK PAIN
22.6%
ARM PAIN
7.7%
NAUSEA/VOMITING
18.9%
DIZZINESS
Did you know?
Only 2.7%
of angina patients can describe their angina symptoms in detail spontaneously.7
Up to 25%
of patients with monthly angina do not discuss chest discomfort and physical limitations with their doctor.8
Angina can express itself in many ways. Always tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, even if they don’t bother you too much.
Myth or fact?
Is the following statement a myth or a fact? Try to find the right answer!
ANGINA IS NOT A COMMON SYMPTOM.
A HEART ATTACK IS NOT ALWAYS THE REASON FOR MY CHEST PAIN.
BECAUSE I HAVE DIABETES, I WILL HAVE ANGINA.
CHEST PAIN IS THE ONLY SYMPTOM OF ANGINA.
EXERCISE IS TOO RISKY IF I HAVE ANGINA.
BECAUSE I HAVE ANGINA IT DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MANAGE ANGINA AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
1 | 8
References
2
Knuuti J et al. Eur Heart J. 2020;41(3):407-477.
3
Vos T et al. Lancet.2012;380(9859):2163-2196.
4
Ferrari R et al. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2018;15(2):120-132.
6
Ambrosio G et al. Angiology. 2019;70(5): 397-406.
7
Berliner D et al. J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(suppl 15):S1777-S1784.
8
Alexander KP et al. Interact J Med Res.2016;5(2):e12.
9
Qintar M et al. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes.2016;2(3):208-214.
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Last modified date: 4/1/2022
