How Serious Is Angina?
Angina occurs when the heart muscle is temporarily deprived of oxygen and causes complications in the body. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and while angina is not as serious as a heart attack, it is still considered a condition that needs to be monitored and medicated. Angina Symptoms Angina produces a severe pressure on the chest, along with shortness of breath. Other symptoms include pain in the chest, neck and arm, and sometimes the back. Nausea, dizziness, fatigue and sweating are also common. Often, the angina symptoms occur after physical exertion and go away after medication and rest. Sometimes women experience slightly different symptoms than men, especially indigestion. Consequences Angina is serious in that it can severely affect the lifestyle of the sufferer. For those with serious angina, it may prevent them from working. Other people find they are unable to continue the type of activities they are used to, such as walking up stairs, mowing the lawn or playing sports.
This Week’s Question: My understanding is that angina is not as serious as heart disease. Is this true? Angina pectoris–or simply angina–is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort usually caused by coronary artery disease. Angina is a sign that someone is at increased risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. If you get angina, you should get medical attention immediately.
