Angina is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of sufficient oxygen in the heart. Blood vessels transmit oxygen and nutrients to the heart, and when there is obstruction, this results in angina. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that there are 7 million people in the USA who live with angina. There are different classifications of angina which are stable angina, unstable angina, and Prinzmetal's variant angina.
Stable Angina
The main classification type of angina is known as stable angina. This is seen when the blood vessels are obstructed, which is most common in people who smoke and who suffer from hypertension and diabetes. When this occurs, there is decreased blood and oxygen flow, which is apparent when there is increased demand for oxygen. Chest pain is also experienced for a short period of about 30 seconds to 30 minutes. This condition is treated with rest or administration of nitrates, which relax the blood vessels.
Unstable Angina
Unstable angina occurs infrequently compared to stable angina. Sometimes the obstruction in the blood vessels is severe and the deposits seen in the walls of the vessels can rupture. This is seen during exercise as well as at rest, and the chest pain cannot be treated with nitrates. This type of angina is seen as an emergency as it can eventually lead to a heart attack.
Prinzmetal's Angina
This type of angina known as Prinzmetal's angina is seen in the night hours, affecting the person's sleep. Spasm is observed in the blood vessel causing decreased blood and oxygen flow to the heart. The best treatments for Prinzmetal's angina are calcium channel blockers and nitrates, which both bring relief by relaxing the blood vessels.
