Different Types Of Angina

Angina is a coronary heart disease which intitiates due to insufficient blood flow towards the heart. This is also well known as angina pectoris. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is severe chest pain. It is a recurring problem and can result in immense amount of pain and discomfort.

Those suffering from coronary heart disease stand at the risk of developing angina. People suffering from coronary heart diseases have narrow arteries which can reduce the blood flow. Both men and women stand at the risk of developing this disease. Those with a history of angina in their family can also develop angina. Angina is of different types which are as follows.

Stable Angina

This type of angina occurs when a person indulges in strenuous activity of some sort. This is also known as exertional angina as it mostly occurs after taking some physical exertion. The arteries of a person suffering from this type of angina might be blocked due to plaque. But some amount of oxygenated blood can still pass through the heart when a person is resting, sitting or doing any normal activity.

However, if a person participates in any tiring activity like running, climbing a hill, etc. then this type of angina can occur. However, the symptoms of stable angina disappear in 5-10 minutes. A person in shock due to personal tragedy or emotional stress can also suffer from stable angina attacks. One should relax and refrain from such tiring activities to prevent and treat stable angina.

Unstable Angina

Those suffering from unstable angina must visit their doctor at the earliest and seek treatment. This develops over a period of time and is hence known as progressive or new onset angina. People suffering from this kind of angina are likely to suffer from heart attacks and related conditions.

These are dangerous and can be fatal also. This occurs due to excessive plaque accumulation in coronary arteries but can also arise when a blood clot blocks the arteries. This might trigger anytime of the day, unlike stable angina which occurs only after performing a strenuous physical activity.

The symptoms of unstable angina might last for more than 15 minutes. Those with dangerously high levels of cholesterol and elderly people stand at the risk of suffering from unstable angina.

Variant Angina

Unlike stable and unstable types of angina which are very common, cases of variant angina are very rare. Also known as Prinzmetal’s angina, this occurs due to spasms in coronary arteries. These spasms can result in narrowing of the arteries and in turn trigger variant angina.

Most people suffering from variant angina are observed to be suffering from atherosclerosis. A person can suffer from variant angina attack even when at rest. Most people experience this type of angina during midnight or during early hours of morning. However, this can be controlled by taking appropriate medications.

It is very important to report any instance of angina attack to your doctor as this is a very serious ailment and should not be left untreated.