{"id":3515,"date":"2019-02-04T05:46:46","date_gmt":"2019-02-04T05:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3515"},"modified":"2021-05-25T15:14:52","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T15:14:52","slug":"15-causes-of-angina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-causes-of-angina\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of Angina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When there is a reduction of the flow of blood into the heart it is referred to as angina. When the heart is not receiving an adequate supply of blood rich with oxygen, it can cause a person to experience pain. Typically this pain occurs in the chest area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common form of angina is called angina pectoris, or stable angina. This refers to pain in the chest that follows a pattern that is predictable. Stable angina can be painful and quite uncomfortable. Typically, this condition is an indication that there is another underlying medical condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of the symptoms of angina mimic a heart attack and can be quite scary. For these reasons, anyone that is experiencing the symptoms of angina should make an appointment to discuss the issue with their primary care physician. Here are some common causes of angina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Arteries Narrowing
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If someone has narrow arteries<\/a>, for whatever reason, they could be at risk to develop stable angina. The condition of the narrowing of the arteries is referred to as atherosclerosis. This narrowing of the arteries will prevent the heart from getting the oxygen that it needs in order to function properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cholesterol, plaque, calcium, and fat can build up inside of the artery walls when they have narrowed. This can reduce the supply of oxygen-rich blood from getting to the heart. When the arteries have narrowed it could be the result of another underlying condition. It also might be idiopathic, which means that a cause for the narrowing cannot be identified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can go a long way in preventing the arteries from narrowing. Fat and cholesterol are two common causes of atherosclerosis. Your doctor will provide treatment for this issue, which may also help with the symptoms of angina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Diabetes
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Another common cause for stable angina is diabetes. The reason for this is because people who suffer from diabetes, especially diabetes <\/a>that is poorly controlled, will typically experience the blood becoming thicker. The presence of excess glucose is the cause of this thickening of the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the blood is thicker the heart has more difficulty pumping the blood through to the body. This strain on the heart can cause all types of damage and the damage and strain that is put on the heart can lead to a person experiencing stable angina. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it is important to keep it under control as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating a diet that is low in carbohydrates is important. It is also important to take your insulin as prescribed and to check your sugar regularly. Controlling your diabetes can help decrease the risks of developing other health issues such as angina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Smoking Cigarettes
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Everyone knows the dangers of smoking cigarettes<\/a>. There are numerous studies that link smoking tobacco problems to many different health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, breathing disorders, and more. Smoking cigarettes can also cause a person to develop stable angina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because when a person smokes it constricts the blood vessels. This includes the blood vessels that lead from the heart and to the heart. This can interfere with the ability of the heart to get enough oxygen and blood. This results in the pain that is associated with having angina. The good news is that as soon as a person stops smoking the blood vessels will start to immediately repair themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blood vessels will almost always go back to their original capacity. If you are a smoker and experiencing angina, one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to quit smoking as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Obesity
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Being overweight <\/a>can cause a person to have numerous health issues. One issue that people who are overweight may develop is angina. When a person is overweight it makes the heart work harder in order to pump blood throughout the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This strain on the heart can cause the heart to weaken. A weakened heart in combination with clogged arteries can cause a person to experience chest pain that is associated with stable angina. If you have the symptoms of angina, eating a healthy diet and losing even just a little bit of weight can greatly reduce the symptoms of angina. Moderate exercise is also important as it can help strengthen the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discuss different heart-healthy diets with your doctor to determine what is best for your particular condition. Angina is often the result of an underlying condition, which means you need to determine the exact cause in order to understand the treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Coronary Microvascular Disease
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A study conducted by John Hopkins University shows that angina could be the result of a condition known as coronary microvascular disease. The coronary microvascular disease affects the small arteries located in the heart. When these arteries are smaller than normal it can make it difficult for blood to flow through them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This disease affects women more often than men. The reason that women are more affected than men is not known. There are a number of treatments available for those who suffer from coronary microvascular disease. People who follow their treatment plan for the issue will often experience fewer angina episodes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A proper diet and moderate exercise <\/a>are typically part of the treatment plan for coronary microvascular disease. The most important thing to do is follow your doctor\u2019s orders when it comes to this disease as this will help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Cholesterol
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It is important to have your cholesterol <\/a>checked at least once a year, especially if you are over the age of 40. A person who suffers from high cholesterol may also experience stable angina. The reason for this is because there are some types of cholesterol that clog the arteries of humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, this type of cholesterol will also cause the blood to become thicker. Thicker blood is more difficult for the heart to pump through the body. For this reason, the hearts of people who suffer from high cholesterol have to work harder in order to distribute blood around the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can cause damage to the heart as it becomes overworked. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol it is important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor. Lowering the amount of bad cholesterol in your body can greatly reduce your risk of developing angina as well as other types of heart disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Stress and Anxiety
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One cause of angina that many people do not realize or simply overlook is stress<\/a>. Stress is something that can cause a lot of damage to the body and many people simply do not realize just how much. Emotional stress is psychosomatic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This does not mean that it is all in your head, but rather that it is a physical symptom that is caused by something that is emotional or mental in nature. Those who are under a lot of pressure and stress will at times experience the symptoms associated with angina. People who have angina attacks that are caused by emotional stress have the same symptoms as those who have a physical condition that is causing the angina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the ways to reduce the number of angina attacks that a personal experience is to learn how to relax and to remove as many stressors from your life as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Kidney Disorders
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There has been evidence found that both men and women who suffer from chronic kidney disease may also experience angina. A person who suffers from chronic kidney disease has damage to their kidneys<\/a>. This damage to the kidneys decrease the organs ability to eliminate by-products and waste created by protein synthesis from the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the abnormal amounts of serum creatinine levels are what is believed to cause angina along with the kidney disorder. The exact relationship between the higher levels of serum creatinine and the risk for developing angina is not exactly known at this time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous causes for chronic kidney disorders to develop. A person may be born with kidneys that simply do not function the way that they should. Excessively drinking alcohol can cause damage to the liver and the kidneys. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your kidneys as well as the rest of your body healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Kidney Disorders
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There has been evidence found that both men and women who suffer from chronic kidney disease may also experience angina. A person who suffers from chronic kidney disease has damage to their kidneys. This damage to the kidneys decreases the organ’s ability to eliminate by-products and waste created by protein synthesis from the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the abnormal amounts of serum creatinine levels are what is believed to cause angina along with the kidney disorder. The exact relationship between the higher levels of serum creatinine and the risk for developing angina is not exactly known at this time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous causes for chronic kidney disorders to develop. A person may be born with kidneys that simply do not function the way that they should. Excessively drinking alcohol <\/a>can cause damage to the liver and the kidneys. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your kidneys as well as the rest of your body healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. A Recent Heart Attack<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Statistics from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that at least one person has a heart attack<\/a> in the United States every 44 seconds, and as much as 610, 000 deaths by heart attack occur every year. It\u2019s a serious medical condition that\u2019s commonly associated with heart conditions (including cardiovascular heart disease) and regular monitoring of heart health at least every six months is crucial if you suspect that you might be at risk.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body undergoes several different changes during a heart attack \u2013 and some of these changes can still be picked up during blood tests for at least 72 hours after a heart attack has taken place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Angina is a very common symptom associated with recent heart attacks and should be reported to your doctor as soon as they happen. Sometimes an appearance of angina after a heart attack could indicate that a second one is on the way, and heart attacks occurring in series aren\u2019t uncommon.
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10. Heavy Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Exercise is one of the most important things for living a healthy life, and research supports the fact that exercise can help to keep your entire body in good condition \u2013 including being one of the best things for your heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget that the heart <\/a>is a muscle that needs to be exercised just like any other one in the body. If you\u2019re wondering what your ideal exercise peak should be, subtract your age from the number 220 to find your \u201cpeak heart rate\u201d level.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you start to experience any adverse effects from exercising like heavy sweating, difficulty catching your breath and chest pains, then it could be angina caused by pushing your body (and heart) further than it\u2019s able to take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slow down your exercise routine if you experience any pain or discomfort and book an appointment with your doctor to find out what the pain means for you and your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Stimulant Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pain and pressure associated with angina is usually caused by excess strain on the heart, either caused by an existing heart condition or caused by external factors \u2013 and sometimes it can be triggered by a combination of both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are various types of stimulants <\/a>and medications that can trigger an increased heart rate, including acceptable ones like caffeine (also found as an ingredient in many medications) and illegal or illicit ones such as cocaine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When angina is triggered by the use of these stimulants, other symptoms are likely to happen at the same time and might include paranoia, increased sweating and pupil dilation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases of overt stimulant use that leads to angina, it\u2019s likely that a pre-existing heart condition exists and that it was only brought on or worsened by the use of added substances affecting the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be what prompts many people to realize they need their heart health examined, and should be a clear sign to steer away from stimulants as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. High Blood Pressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Statistics from the CDC estimates that as much as 32% of Americans have high blood pressure<\/a>, and this puts these Americans at an increased risk of developing any of a number of health conditions which is associated with a high blood pressure diagnosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having high blood pressure automatically increases your risk of developing high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, angina and your risk of having a heart attack during your lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you follow a high-fat, generally unhealthy diet and don\u2019t get as much exercise as you should (or if you are obese), your risk of developing high blood pressure automatically goes up. There are many cases where developing high blood pressure has less to do with these factors and more to do with family history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a controllable condition, usually done with a combination of healthier lifestyle adaptations and the use of regular medication to keep blood pressure under control (and the heart as healthy as possible). <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Blood Clots<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood clots<\/a> are one of the most common health problems associated with poor circulation which in itself can be caused by a variety of different factors that can range from having a pre-existing heart condition through to sitting still for too long on the bus and impairing the flow of blood.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the use of medications can increase your risk of developing the problem: Other times, factors like age or obesity can have an impact on how your blood clots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood clots are exactly what they sound like, and they\u2019re certainly not something that you want traveling through your bloodstream. When they do, you are at a very high risk of a stroke or heart attack, though also likely to experience the symptoms of angina.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A suspected blood clot is very serious, and warrants an immediate trip to the emergency room: It\u2019s not the kind of medical emergency that you can (or should) try to deal with at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Family History<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Genetics <\/a>and family history can have a lot to do with how your body behaves, and why it\u2019s more likely to develop certain conditions and steer clear of others. If you have any family history of heart conditions or angina in your family, then you should consider this your first warning sign that you are at risk yourself \u2013 and make sure that you have regular appointments with your doctor from there to monitor your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that any health conditions family members might have had in the past may not have been officially diagnosed during their lifetime, but will have certainly been present.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you aren\u2019t sure where to start looking up your family  history or you don\u2019t have the contacts or resources to do it properly, you can have your own DNA tested in order to find out what it says about your various medical risk factors, including for angina, heart disease and other factors like addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Medical Device Malfunctions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medical devices like pacemakers have changed the way in which science can take on our medical problems \u2013 but it\u2019s still a developing science, and no medical device is perfect when they install it. Sometimes devices like pacemakers will require regular maintenance, and might lead to the user experiencing a range of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms as a result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have had recent heart surgery <\/a>or know that you have a device such as a pacemaker and experience symptoms such as chest pain,\u00a0 then you could be suffering from a condition like angina caused by a malfunctioning device.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that this could be the cause, make an immediate appointment with your doctor and let them know about your concerns and symptoms. Be detailed and remember to tell your doctor about the time, duration and circumstances of each episode of chest pain or discomfort: This can help them to narrow it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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