What is angina pectoris and how can it be prevented?
Angina pectoris or more commonly known, angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also can occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion. Angina is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying heart disease. Angina usually is a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is the most common type of heart disease in adults. It occurs if a waxy substance called plaque (plak) builds up on the inner walls of your coronary arteries. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Having a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way of reducing your risk of angina. If you already have angina, making lifestyle changes will also help prevent your symptoms getting worse and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Here is what you can do: (1) Avoid angina triggers(2) Follow a healthy diet(3) Maintain a healthy weight(4) Handle stress and relax(5) Quit smoking and void second-hand smoke(6) Exercising...
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