Angina is a kind of heart disease that affects about 10 million Americans each year, and it typically occurs in older adults. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) and is a precursor of heart attack. Chest pain known as angina is a result of low blood supply to the heart's muscles. Angina is a warning indication that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, which can occur before a heart attack even though it is not an illness in and of itself.

Recently, Dr Alok Chopra, Cardiology, Functional Medicine and Disease Reverse, Co-Founder of Aashlok Hospital took to Instagram where he explained how angina feels. “Angina is typically experienced as a crushing sensation in the lower central chest, even though the heart is on the left side. It feels like pressure on the lower middle of your solar plexus. This pain usually occurs during physical exertion and subsides after 10-15 minutes of rest, which is a key indicator of angina,” he said in the reel.

“The discomfort may not always stay in the chest. The same crushing pain can extend to a choking sensation in the throat and an uncomfortable pressure in the jaw as if someone is gripping both sides. Further, the pain may radiate down both arms,” he further explained.

To know further about angina, we got in touch with Dr Bimal Chhajer, Senior Cardiologist, former consultant at AIIMS and Director of SAAOL Heart Center, New Delhi. Dr Bimal Chhajer explains that angina can raise the risk of a heart attack since it is an indication that the heart is not receiving enough blood that is rich in oxygen. Specifically, unstable angina is a dangerous ailment that may signal a heart attack. “Angina does not always result in a heart attack, though. A heart attack can be avoided and general heart health can be enhanced by identifying the signs of angina. Angina is a serious sign of untreated cardiac problems that should not be disregarded,” he said.

Dr Chhajer explains that certain lifestyle modifications are important such as a healthy diet, exercise and maintaining an ideal weight. "People should reduce sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats in their diet to control angina. Furthermore, heart health can be enhanced by regular physical activity, but it should be done under a doctor's supervision. Retaining a healthy weight helps lessen the cardiac workload."

Giving up smoking is essential because it can worsen angina and raise the risk of a heart attack.

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