Angina Pectoris Angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome caused by transient myocardial ischemia and hypoxia due to insufficient blood supply to the coronary arteries, with intermittent chest pain or discomfort as the main symptom.

Angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome caused by acute myocardial ischemia and hypoxia due to insufficient blood supply to the coronary arteries, with intermittent chest pain or discomfort as the main symptom.

Angina pectoris can be classified into stable angina, unstable angina, and variant angina based on the onset and mechanism.

Stable Angina:

Pain is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress, is generally predictable, lasts for several minutes, and can be quickly relieved by rest or the use of coronary artery dilating drugs (such as nitroglycerin). The pain typically does not exceed 10 minutes, and the frequency, duration, nature, and triggering factors remain relatively unchanged over several months.

Unstable Angina:

The onset of pain is unpredictable and can occur even at rest. The severity and duration of pain are greater than in stable angina, lasting for several minutes and sometimes up to several tens of minutes. Rest or sublingual nitroglycerin may only provide temporary or no relief, and it can progress to acute myocardial infarction, requiring urgent medical attention.

Variant Angina:

This type is rare and is usually caused by coronary artery spasm. It typically occurs at rest, particularly at night, often accompanied by transient elevation in the electrocardiogram and sweating. The use of anti-anginal drugs can alleviate the symptoms.

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classifies the severity of angina into four levels:

- Level I: Normal physical activities (such as walking and climbing stairs) do not induce angina, occurring only during strenuous, rapid, or prolonged exertion.

- Level II: Slight limitation of ordinary activity. Angina occurs with vigorous physical activity, after meals, in cold weather, with emotional stress, or within a few hours of waking.

- Level III: Marked limitation of ordinary physical activity. Angina occurs with less than ordinary activity, such as walking 200 meters on level ground or climbing one flight of stairs.

- Level IV: Inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort.

Different disease types exhibit distinct symptoms:

Stable Angina:

Patients often experience pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest during physical activity or emotional stress, primarily behind the sternum and may radiate to the entire anterior chest area. It can be accompanied by a burning sensation and lasts for several minutes, with relief within a few minutes after rest or sublingual nitroglycerin administration.

Unstable Angina:

The location and nature of chest discomfort are similar to stable angina, but the severity and duration are typically greater, lasting for half an hour to an hour. Chest pain can occur at rest or during sleep, and relief from rest or sublingual nitroglycerin is not significant.

Variant Angina:

Mainly characterized by anterior chest pain at rest, without activity or emotional stress as triggers, often accompanied by arrhythmia and syncope.

The most commonly used methods include promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, promoting warmth and unblocking meridians, and eliminating phlegm and promoting meridian flow. This involves the use of various herbal formulations containing Danshen, safflower, Chuanxiong, Puhuang, and Yujin, as well as specific herbal preparations such as Suhe Xiang Wan, Subing Dian Wan, Kuanxiong Wan, Baoxin Wan, and Shexiang Baoxin Wan.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Follow a healthy diet, including low-salt and low-fat foods, and consume plenty of vegetables and fruits while maintaining a healthy weight.

Maintain a regular lifestyle, taking sufficient rest and planning safe exercise routines based on one's condition.

The most effective way to prevent angina pectoris is to prevent coronary heart disease through diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, while also raising awareness of coronary heart disease screening.

Health education:

Educate the general population on relevant health knowledge, raise awareness of self-care, and promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles, including smoking cessation, balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining mental well-being.

Control high-risk factors:

For high-risk groups, such as those with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smokers, and individuals with a family history of heart disease, actively control the primary disease and undergo regular screenings.