When there is decreased blood flow to the heart, it results in a kind of chest pain called angina. When someone has angina, it is a good indication they have an underlying heart condition called coronary artery disease (CAD).

Keep reading to find the answers to four frequently asked questions about angina.

1. What Other Symptoms Are Associated with Angina?

Pain affiliated with angina is often described as squeezing or tightness in the chest. There might also be pain in other parts of the body, including the arms, back, or jaw. With the onset of angina, some might also experience dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and sweating.

2. What Are the Risk Factors for Angina?

Some of the factors that increase one's risk of angina include tobacco use, old age, family history of heart disease, lack of exercise, stress, and obesity. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, are also at an increased risk for angina.

3. What Are the Different Types of Angina?

According to the American Heart Association, there are different types of angina. Here are some of the most common types:

• Stable angina. This occurs when the heart has to work harder and disappears with rest or after taking angina medication.
• Unstable angina. A medical emergency that occurs suddenly, even at rest, and can signify the onset of a heart attack.
• Variant angina. This occurs when there is a spasm of the coronary arteries, caused by stress, smoking, or exposure to cold temperatures.
• Microvascular angina. This is often a symptom of coronary microvascular disease that's caused by spams in the arterial blood vessels.

Any of these types of angina can be mistaken for indigestion. However, any time someone experiences chest pain, they should seek medical attention.

4. What Are Some Treatment Options for Angina?

Thanks to those who have chosen to participate in an angina treatment trial, there are more treatment options than ever for angina.

Some of the most common forms of treatment for angina include:

• Nitroglycerin tablets. This medication is placed under the tongue and helps to increase blood flow to the heart by widening the blood vessels.
• Beta-blockers. This type of medication blocks the effects of adrenaline, which helps the blood vessels relax and the heart to beat more slowly.
• Angioplasty. This surgical procedure involves placing a stent or balloon into the artery to widen it and keep it open.

Another treatment option for angina is to make lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of heart disease. Some of these lifestyle changes include avoiding stress, avoiding large meals, implementing a safe exercise routine, and losing weight if necessary.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers an angina treatment trial.