Stable Angina Flashcards
Def
Stable Angina
Stable angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is predictable and typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress.
Symptoms
- Symptoms:
Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness)
Pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
Lasts for a few minutes (usually 5–15 minutes)
Triggered by exertion, stress, heavy meals, or cold weather
Relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
Pathophysiology
- Pathophysiology:
Caused by atherosclerosis: narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup
Oxygen demand of the heart exceeds supply during exertion or stress
Risk factors
- Risk Factors:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of coronary artery disease (CAD)
Diagonosis
- Diagnosis:
History and physical examination
Electrocardiogram (ECG): May show ischemic changes during episodes
Stress test: Exercise or pharmacological stress testing
Coronary angiography: Gold standard to assess coronary artery blockage
Management
- Management:
Lifestyle Changes:
Quit smoking
Adopt a healthy diet (low in saturated fats, high in fruits/vegetables)
Regular exercise (as advised by a doctor)
Stress management
Medications:
Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin): Relieve acute symptoms
Beta-blockers: Reduce heart rate and oxygen demand
Calcium channel blockers: Improve blood flow and reduce spasms
Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin): Prevent clot formation
Statins: Lower cholesterol
Procedures (if severe):
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Prognosis:
Typically manageable with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. However, progression to unstable angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack) is possible without intervention.
