Skeletal Angina Symptoms

Angina, or angina pectoris, is a medical term used to describe episodes of chest discomfort which occurs when the heart is not receiving enough blood. The coronary arteries are responsible for pumping blood to the heart and in cases of angina it is possible that the arteries may be blocked. The heart, when functioning properly, pumps oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the muscles. Without the regular pumping of blood, the heart and muscles can no longer function properly. These effects may expand and affect the muscles and skeleton as well.

Angina and the Skeleton

• A study that appeared in the Dec. 25, 2001 issue of the "Journal of Internal Medicine" conducted by Dr. O. Frøbert, J. Fossgreen, J. Søndergaard-Petersen, J. Hede and J. P. Bagger studied muscular and skeletal effects of angina. Some patients with angina can develop musculo-skeletal problems. These patients complain of pain in the neck, chest, thoracic spine, and sensations of pain radiating out to the arms. These symptoms can occur either in cases of stable or unstable angina. People affected skeletally or in a muscular way by angina will display degenerative findings on radiograph sessions. Furthermore, these patients will also display degenerative effects in their reflexes. However, more testing needs to be done on patients to verify the actual long-term effects of angina on skeletal and muscular functions.

Common Symptoms

• Common symptoms of angina are pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing or aching particularly around the breast bone, indigestion, heart burn, weakness, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath and cramping. Symptoms of angina usually occur during exertion, severe emotional distress or even after a heavy or rich meal. These symptoms occur during these instances because the heart requires more blood than the coronary arteries can deliver. The coronary articles may be narrowed and clogged from possible atherosclerosis, which is a build up of fatty materials in the arteries. These fatty deposits can harden; forming calcium deposits, and may further complicate the symptoms of angina, making them and the patient's condition more severe and even life-threatening.

Stable Angina

• Stable angina is the most common kind of angina. It is a condition where people frequently experience the symptoms of angina over a long course of time. The symptoms and the timing of their occurrence are usually predictable. These symptoms mostly appear after bursts of exertion with symptoms following and lasting for roughly five minutes. These symptoms can be relieved by rest, medications or placing nitroglycerin tablets under the tongue. Certain symptoms may indicate that stable angina is worsening. These symptoms are an episode of angina that is different from previous episodes, being woken up by angina symptoms, experiencing symptoms that are worse than usual or symptoms that last longer than usual.

Unstable Angina

• Unstable angina is less common and symptoms usually occur randomly even after the patient has rested for a period of time. The symptoms are worse, more severe and last longer than in cases of stable angina. These episodes cannot be controlled with rest, medications or the use of nitroglycerin pills. Unstable angina may begin as stable angina. Over time stable angina may become unpredictable and worsen. At this time the condition is no longer stable angina, but becomes unstable angina. Unstable angina is not the same as a heart attack, but it does require immediate medical attention to control an extreme episode. Extreme episodes can lead to heart attacks, but hospitalization can prevent this occurrence.

Conclusion

• Angina is a condition that needs to be treated whether it is considered to be the stable or unstable type. It has been linked to degeneration of the skeleton, muscles and natural reflexes of the body when it is experienced over a long period of time. It may also be an indication of heart disease or atherosclerosis. These diseases are serious and life-threatening. If you are experiencing regular chest pain or any other symptoms that sound similar to angina, it would be beneficial to discuss them with your doctor. If it is angina, it can be treated before it has a chance to worsen and lead to more serious conditions.