What is Stable Angina?

Stable angina is a kind of chest pain that generally happens during periods of overexertion or stressful situations. There is normally a gradual increase in the severity of the pain over a period of minutes before it eventually dissipates. Patients with angina often describe a feeling of squeezing or pressure. This happens when a person’s heart is temporarily deprived of oxygen-rich blood, which can be caused by several different underlying conditions. Stable angina is different from unstable angina because it usually happens when a person overworks their heart, while unstable angina is much more unpredictable.

The mechanism for stable angina is directly related to the way muscles work. In order to function, muscles generally need nutrients and oxygen. These things are carried around the body through the circulatory system by blood. When muscle exertion increases, more blood is generally needed to keep the muscles functioning smoothly. The heart is just like all the other muscles in the body, and when it isn’t receiving enough oxygen, an individual will experience pain.

The most common underlying cause of stable angina is coronary artery disease, which can be potentially deadly. This disorder happens when plaque starts to clog the arteries and narrow the passageway for blood. Eventually, these obstructions can come loose and cause heart attacks or strokes. Some people are thought to have a genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease, but there are also lifestyle choices that can increase a person’s risk.

If an individual has symptoms of stable angina, a doctor may ask him to do a electrocardiogram stress test during exercise. This is usually enough for doctors to diagnose coronary artery disease and determine the severity of the disorder. Once the diagnosis has been made, the first approach to treatment is usually medication and lifestyle changes.

Individuals are generally asked to avoid smoking and cut down on fat intake. Sometimes, more exercise is also recommended, depending on the person's age, the progression of the disease and a variety of other factors. These lifestyle changes can lessen the severity of stable angina symptoms, and sometimes they can greatly slow its progression, but they generally aren’t a cure.

Nitrate drugs are commonly prescribed for sufferers of stable angina. These medicines help get more blood flowing to the heart, and they can be very helpful. Other drugs that are sometimes prescribed are beta-blockers and calcium-blockers. In very extreme cases, when other treatments can’t control the symptoms, coronary bypass surgeries and coronary angioplasty may be necessary.