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People with blocked artery or coronary artery disease who are constantly doing strenuous activities are most likely to experience pain or discomfort in the chest that lasts for about 1 to 15 minutes. This condition is called angina.
Angina is caused by the lack of blood and oxygen flow to the heart muscle. The pain in the chest is also associated with tightness and heaviness. If not treated, angina may lead to heart attack, cardiac arrest, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
In severe cases of angina, it is best to undergo medical procedures. Surgeries for the treatment of angina include angioplasty, stenting, and coronary artery bypass surgery. Doctors who specialize in the treatment of angina often have medical training in cardiology. Because angina and other heart diseases are often associated with vein problems, there are also doctors like Alan Hirsch, Peter B. H’Doubler, and Raymond Little who specialize in the treatment of both cardiovascular and vascular diseases.
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However, there are several ways to prevent angina before it worsens. Not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating food that’s good for the heart will slow down the progression of artery blockages. Other risk factors that should be avoided include drug abuse (especially cocaine), obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle.
If lifestyle change is not enough to stop angina, medication may be taken. Medicines known to treat angina include aspirin, nitrates, beta blockers, statins, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and ranolazine (ranexa). People are advised to consult their doctors before taking any of these medicines.
If angina is detected early, treatment is easier and more effective.
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This website explains how angina is related to vein problems and how it can be treated by vascular medicine practice.
