A common symptom of Coronary Artery Disease is angina. It is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen. Understanding the causes and available treatments for angina is crucial for managing this condition effectively. Here, the best cardiologists in Mukundapur, Kolkata will discuss them in more detail.
Causes of Angina
- Atherosclerosis: According to some cardiologists in Mukundapur, South Kolkata, the primary cause of angina is atherosclerosis, a condition that occurs due to the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. These plaques can narrow the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Coronary Artery Spasm: In some cases, angina can occur due to a sudden narrowing or constriction of the coronary arteries, known as coronary artery spasm. This spasm minimizes blood flow to the heart and results in chest pain or discomfort.
- Anemia: Anemia refers to a condition in which the body does not have sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues. This can cause angina because the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen.
- Heart Valve Disease: As per the best cardiac surgeon in mukundapur, South Kolkata, a malfunctioning heart valve can reduce the blood flow to the heart muscle and cause angina.
Treatments for Angina
- Medications: Various medications are available to treat angina and alleviate symptoms. Nitroglycerin is commonly used to relieve angina attacks by widening and relaxing the blood vessels, allowing improved blood flow to the heart, says the best heart specialist in mukundapur. Other medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiplatelet drugs, may be prescribed to reduce the frequency of angina episodes and prevent complications.
- Angioplasty and Stenting: In cases where medications alone are not sufficient to manage angina, medical procedures such as angioplasty and stenting may be recommended. Angioplasty involves the use of a thin tube with a balloon at the tip that is inserted into the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated in order to widen the artery and improve blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is inserted into your artery to keep it open and prevent re-narrowing.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): CABG is a surgical procedure performed to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. During this procedure, blood vessels from other parts of the body are grafted to the coronary arteries, creating an alternate route for blood flow to the heart. CABG is typically recommended for individuals with severe angina who do not respond well to medications or angioplasty.
- Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP): EECP is a non-invasive treatment option for angina that involves using inflatable cuffs placed around the legs. These cuffs inflate and deflate in synchronization with the heartbeat, increasing blood flow to the heart and improving angina. EECP is typically recommended for individuals who are not candidates for other procedures or have persistent symptoms despite medical therapy.
It’s important to note that the treatment approach for angina may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, underlying health conditions, and other factors. You might want to consult the best cardiologists in Mukundapur, Kolkata who will determine the most effective treatment plan for managing your condition.