- It occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, typically due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
๐There are several types of angina, including:
- Stable Angina: The most common type, characterized by predictable episodes of chest pain or discomfort.
- Unstable Angina: A more severe and unpredictable form of angina, which can be a precursor to a heart attack.
- Variant Angina (also known as Prinzmetal's Angina): A rare type of angina caused by coronary artery spasm, which can occur at rest.
- Microvascular Angina : A type of angina caused by abnormalities in the small blood vessels of the heart.
๐ฆพPathophysiology: Reduced blood flow to the myocardium leads to a temporary imbalance between oxygen supply and demand, resulting in chest pain or discomfort.
- Symptoms: Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
- โ๏ธTreatment: Medications such as nitrates, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers to reduce symptoms and prevent further episodes. Lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, are also essential.
๐ซMyocardial Infarction (MI):
- Also known as a heart attack, it occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.
๐ฆพPathophysiology: Prolonged blockage of a coronary artery leads to necrosis of the heart muscle, resulting in permanent damage.
- Symptoms: Severe chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
โ๏ธTreatment: Immediate medical attention is crucial. Treatment options include thrombolytic therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Medications such as aspirin, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors are also used to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
๐ฅธKey differences:
- Angina is a reversible condition, whereas MI is an irreversible condition that can lead to permanent damage.
- Angina symptoms are typically triggered by physical activity or stress, whereas MI symptoms are more severe and persistent.