CARDIOLOGY

Angina pectoris and coronary heart disease (CHD) – therapies for heart disease

Angina pectoris is a common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), a heart disease in which the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. CAD is a progressive disease in which deposits (plaques) in the coronary arteries impair blood flow to the heart muscle. In advanced stages of CAD, heart attacks can occur, which may be life-threatening and can lead to permanent heart damage. CAD is characterised by symptoms such as chest pain, which is accompanied by symptoms such as a dull or burning pain or pressure in the chest. Many patients often describe the chest pain as a feeling of tightness. Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of angina pectoris or coronary heart disease. The pain usually radiates. Clients often report pain radiating to the neck, jaw, shoulders, back, or arms. The pain often occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and can be relieved by resting or taking nitroglycerin, for example.

Read how angina pectoris and coronary heart disease are diagnosed and how heart disease can be treated.

CARDIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS OF ANGINA PECTORIS AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Angina Pectoris:

The diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Your doctor will ask about the character of the pain, the triggers, and the reaction to nitroglycerin.

• Electrocardiograms (ECGs) may show changes in the heart rhythm that indicate angina pectoris.
• Stress tests (e.g. exercise ECGs or stress echocardiography) are performed to provoke symptoms under controlled stress and to assess cardiac function.

Coronary artery disease (CAD):

Non-invasive tests such as a computed tomography scan of the coronary arteries (coronary CT) and invasive tests such as a cardiac catheterisation are used to make a definitive diagnosis of CAD in order to assess the extent of vascular plaque.

CARDIOLOGY

TREATMENT OF ANGINA PECTORIS AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Angina Pectoris:

Therapy aims to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.

• Drugs such as nitroglycerin can be used for acute attacks of pain.
• In the long term, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates are prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks. Optimum control of high blood pressure is very important.
• Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, healthy diet, and regular exercise are important.

Coronary artery disease (CAD):

Treatment for CAD involves similar measures to those for angina pectoris. Medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels is often necessary. In more severe cases, interventional procedures such as stent implantation or bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment of angina pectoris and CAD are crucial to reduce the risk of heart attacks and other complications. Adherence to treatment, regular monitoring. and the implementation of lifestyle changes are important steps in managing these heart diseases and improving quality of life.

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