For both men and women, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States where one person dies every 36 seconds. Angina is defined as a sharp pain that occurs when a blood vessel in the heart narrows or when the heart does not receive enough blood supply, especially during intense exercising. Angina symptoms in women and men may differ, however, if left untreated, it can further lead to adverse cardiac conditions.

Different kinds of Angina:

Stable angina: This is the most widely occurring angina. It might be triggered by physical exertion or long-lasting stress. It normally only lasts a few minutes and disappears when you lie down and rest. It is not particularly a heart attack, but it is a symptom that you are on the verge of having one. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor.

Unstable angina: This condition is something you can have when you are in a resting position or not doing much activity. The associated discomfort can be severe and linger for a long time, and it may reappear with more intensity. It could be an indication that you are probably having a heart attack, so seek medical attention immediately.

Variant angina: This kind is not so common. It could happen in the middle of the night while you are asleep. The arteries in your heart suddenly get tightened or narrow. You should get it investigated as it can cause unbearable pain.

How Angina Symptoms in Women and Men Occur in Different Ways?

Angina symptoms in men is characterized as following:

1. Chest pressure or sharp pain
2. Shortness of breath
3. Sweating
4. Persistent nausea
5. Fatigue
6. Elevating pain in shoulder, neck, back or arm

Whereas angina in women appears as:

1. As opposed to the pressure that men feel, women experience a sharp, burning chest pain
2. Discomfort in abdomen
3. Continuous discomfort in jaw, neck or throat
4. Shortness of breath (a common angina symptom in women and men)
5. Indigestion

Causes and Risk Factors of Angina in Women and Men:

Angina can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Both women and men can develop similar circumstances, including high blood pressure, obesity, having elevated cholesterol levels, age factors, having a family history of cardiac diseases, stress, use of tobacco, and unhealthy food choices.

When to Visit the Healthcare Facility:

If you have chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, you should visit and see your doctor at the earliest. This stress could be an indication of a heart attack.

Angina Tests and Diagnosis:

EKG or ECG (Electrocardiogram): This procedure measures any unusual patterns in rhythm and electrical activity of your heart.

Exercise stress test: This method is used in the measurement of blood flow to your heart’s muscles whilst a high-stress activity or an exercise.

Blood test: This test will measure Troponin proteins levels in your blood which will be further examined by your doctor. When the heart muscle is harmed, or during a heart attack, several of these proteins are leaked. This test may further be compounded by a Complete Blood Count for more general investigation.

Chest x-ray: An X-ray is usually carried out in certain situations in order to capture a detailed image of your heart, which your doctor will inspect for any abnormalities or lung conditions.

Coronary angiography: This test will utilize x-ray images to scan the inside of your heart’s blood arteries. A unique dye is injected into your heart’s blood arteries, creating a detailed image of your heart.

8 Questions to Remember When You Visit Your Provider:

1. May I know what kind of angina I have?
2. Does it require further tests to confirm the diagnosis?
3. What is my disease`s prognosis (possibility of recovery)?
4. Any precautions would you suggest to manage my illness?
5. What are the treatment options which you would recommend to me according to my condition?
6. When should I likely have a follow-up visit?
7. Should I seek some other medical experts in association to help make my disease management speedy and better?
8. Please suggest if there is any change in my diet?

Angina Treatment and Management:

Family Medicine Austin offers a great spectrum of medically accredited management options for both women and men who experienced angina. We deliver quality healthcare services by a team of skilled medical experts who provide the absolute treatment tailored to your needs.

Medication:

• Aspirin
• Beta blockers
• Anticoagulants
• Statins (for lowering the blood cholesterol levels)
• Nitrates
• Other novel antianginal medications for controlling episodes of Angina.

A key aspect to manage cardiac health problems is ongoing follow-ups, which is essential because treatment should be “stepped up” from the basic level of care when the need arises or when there is less or non-response to initial treatment.

In case, the above-mentioned measures remain ineffective in treating your angina, you can consider additional interventions. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure in which a balloon catheter is inserted into your blocked artery and then inflated to widen it. This will restore blood supply to the heart, thereby restoring the oxygen supply. If the clogs are severe, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or bypass surgery can be performed. In this procedure, a healthy vein or artery from another part of your body will be taken to reroute against a narrowed artery and thus restore blood circulation and oxygen supply to your heart.

See Also: Women’s Health Issues: An Overview

Remember – Delaying diagnosis, regular tests, and screenings may put your health at risk. Thus medical sources advocate timely evaluation of Angina symptoms in both women and men. Adjustments in lifestyle choices and adequate medical intervention, along with expert health advice help maintain your heart health efficiently.

Preventive health care goes a long way towards minimizing the risks of various diseases and improving your quality of life. Get in touch with our medical experts today for further assistance.