Disease, Medication and Healthy Lifestyle

Archive for the ‘Stenosis’ Category

When the surrounding bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and other tissues put too much pressure on a nerve, you develop a painful pinched nerve. It can not only cause pain, but can also cause numbness, tingling, and even muscle weakness. This article looks at pinched nerves and how a Seattle chiropractor can help.

About Pinched Nerves

While you can develop a pinched nerve in any part of the body, they most commonly occur in the neck and back. Chiropractors refer to these types of pinched nerves as subluxations. Typically, a herniated disk, bone spur, spinal stenosis, or arthritis causes pinched nerves in the neck and back while cubital tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome often cause pinched nerves in the elbow and wrist. Pinched nerves in other areas of the body are often the result of swelling, bruising, or injury.

Symptoms Of Pinched Nerves

The symptoms can vary depending on the location of the pinched nerve. General symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Pinched nerves in the back come with stiffness and a pain radiating down the leg. Pinched nerves in the neck also cause stiffness and pain radiating down the closest arm. A pinched nerve in the elbow and wrist can make it hard for you to grip things, especially when it also affects your fingers and forearm.

]]>

Treating Pinched Nerves

Seattle chiropractic treatment can relieve the pain of pinched nerves without having to resort to surgery or taking expensive prescription drugs. Treatment involves taking a medical history, pinpointing the location of the pinched nerve, and then the chiropractor will perform a spinal adjustment along with any other needed treatments.

While most patients get immediate relief with their first treatment, it can often take six or more visits to achieve full relief. Not only will chiropractic treatments alleviate a pinched nerve, it will also promote improved overall health.

In chronic cases, chiropractic treatment might also include soft tissue therapy and traction. Chiropractic methods work together to help the body heal itself while alleviating the pain of a pinched nerve.

About Chiropractic

Through chiropractic, you can help your body heal itself without drugs or surgery. In fact, chiropractic treatments are designed to detect and eliminate any problems with the body’s alignment which can cause chronic or debilitating health issues. Through consistent chiropractic care, your body stays in perfect alignment, which results in every tissue being able to function at its best.

If you have a pinched nerve or suspect you might have a pinched nerve, it is important to get treatment immediately to avoid further injury or additional complications. Since even slight pressure can cause a pinched nerve, maintaining excellent alignment by visiting a Seattle chiropractor regularly is important to maintaining your good health.

Sciatica can be a severe and debilitating pain. There are several causes of the pain.

  Piriformis muscle is a pyramid shaped flat muscle. It is partly located against the posterior wall within the pelvis region and partly at the back of the hip-joint.  Some times the imbalance caused in the piriformis muscle pinches the sciatic nerve that runs through the buttock to the knee, lower leg and the foot.

The pinch causes referral pain in the areas through which the sciatic nerve passes. The patient feels a deep and shooting pain and is called sciatica.

 The pain becomes worse when the person sits, climbs the stairs or attempts to squat.

The vertebrae in the spinal cord are separated by discs, which are made up of soft bone substance. The disc, which is soft and flexible in young people, becomes hard with the advancing years. When the spinal cord is compressed due to tension or pressure upon it, the disc also comes under pressure and is pushed out of its protective ring. A disc so pushed out is called a herniated disc.

]]>

The disc may also get herniated due to accidents or muscle imbalance resulting from uneven pressure. The herniated disc presses the sciatic nerve located close to it, which in turn causes sciatica.

The spine protects the spinal cord from being hurt. But when the spine becomes narrow, the resultant condition is called spinal stenosis. The narrowing down takes place at one or more of the three parts of the spine: the centre of the spine, place where the nerves branch out of the spine and the space between the bones of the spine.

Spinal stenosis may also be caused by

• Herniation of the spinal discs. It may adversely affect the cervical, thoracic and lumber areas

• Tumors in the spine which pinch the root the sciatic nerve

• Arthritis or osteoarthritis.

When the sciatic nerve is hurt as a result of spinal stenosis, it causes sciatica in the buttocks and thighs.

Are you suffering from sciatica? It does not matter that you have suffered from it for 10, 15 or even 30 years. You would be completely cured in just 21 days even if you are a lost case. Click Here Right Now  to learn more about how you can get fast and permanent relief from any kind of back pain.

Incoming search terms:

• Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups sharp pain

Proteolytic enzymes, also referred to as “proteases,” are enzymes that break down proteins into their smallest elements. If this breakdown of proteins happens in your gut, we call the enzymes “digestive,” because they help us digest our food. Systemic proteolytic enzymes, however, have a completely different purpose, so please don’t confuse the two.

When taken on an empty stomach, proteolytic enzymes will pass through the stomach or intestine lining and enter the circulatory system. This is why they are called “systemic”—once they enter the circulatory system, they circulate throughout the body.

Why are systemic proteolytic enzymes important?

The most important thing that systemic proteolytic enzymes do is to break down excess fibrin in your circulatory system and in other connective tissue, such as your muscles. These enzymes bring nutrients and oxygen-rich blood that remove the metabolic waste produced by inflammation and excess fibrin.

For example, If you have an injury or are recovering from a painful condition of any kind and your blood flow is restricted, you will have a longer recovery process. In addition, the exchange of nutrients and oxygen in your body will be limited, and there will be an will have a longer recovery but an increase in pain and inflammation.

I searched long and hard to find this incredible image (left) of red blood cells caught in a web of excess fibrin. The fibrin is causing a physical restriction of blood flow. If you look closely, you can see that the cells are actually stuck. Ultimately, those red blood cells cannot get into the capillaries to oxygenate and nourish your muscles and remove the metabolic waste that is causing your pain.

One more important thing to understand: Whenever you’re recovering from a muscle irritation, injury, or surgery, the body uses fibrin to help heal itself. This is normal and healthy. The only problem is that with poor blood flow and a lack of enzyme activity, that fibrin will start to accumulate. If the area in question is slow to heal, an excess of fibrin will appear as clumps of scar tissue in the muscle or at the surgical site. Once this happens, you acute condition becomes chronic.

Now that you know that excess fibrin throughout your circulatory system will severely limit the amount of blood flow to areas that need it the most, you may be wondering how the body tries to compensate for this restriction. The answer is simple: by forcing the heart to work harder and increasing your blood pressure.

How do you know if you have too much fibrin?

As I have noted, the body will do what it needs to do to keep us alive—sometimes at great cost to your overall health. Some possible indicators of excess fibrin in your system include: chronic fatigue, slow healing, inflammation and pain, and elevated blood pressure. There is also a medical test to measure something called “blood monomers.”

The dangers of too much fibrin…

The medical community has long known that excess fibrin presents a cardiac and stroke risk. Finally, they have acknowledged a link between excess fibrin and chronic systemic inflammation, the true root cause of virtually every disease and painful condition know to man.

]]>

Which conditions do proteolytic enzymes help and how?

The list below is only a sample of the types of conditions that can be addressed with systemic proteolytic enzymes. If you are still wondering how one little substance can support all of these conditions, remember that they all have one thing in common—excess fibrin, which causes a reduction in blood flow.

Arthritis – Herniated Disc

Atherosclerosis – Hyper-coagulation

Back Pain – Sciatica

Chronic Fatigue – Spinal Stenosis

Chronic Pain – Strains and Sprains

Fibrocystic Breast – Post-operative Scar Tissue

Fibromyalgia – Traumatic Inflammation

High Blood Pressure – Uterine Fibroids

Which would you rather take—a pain killer or a healing enzyme?

Truth is, very few pain killers help heal the body, and in most cases the side effects are rather unpleasant. On the other hand, systemic proteolytic enzymes support the body’s ability to heal itself, and they reduce the signs and symptoms of a chronic condition.

Can proteolytic enzymes be used with other pain meds?

I knew you were going to ask. Yes, enzymes can used if you are taking low-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as long as they are taken 60 minutes apart.

How about clinical research?

Where is the proof? There are untold numbers of clinical studies that have been done on proteolytic enzymes, and we have 76 of the most relevant studies listed on our site. Let’s not forget that these enzymes have been in use in Europe for more than 50 years. And in Japan, some proteolytic enzymes are classified as prescription drugs.

Where do proteolytic enzymes come form?

Some are animal-bases, some are plant-based—such as Bromelain and Papain—and some are fungus-based, such as Serrazimes®.

Which types are best and why?

I recommend plant- and fungus-based enzymes because they tolerate the gastric environment better, so more of the enzymes make their way into the circulatory system.

How long does it take to start to work?

Enzymes go to work immediately. The big difference between enzymes and vitamins is the way they are measured. Enzymes are not measured by weight; they are measured in Units of Fibrolytic Activity, which means how much fibrin they break down in a set amount of time.

The questions you really want answered are: “How long will it take to get pain relief and reduce my inflammation?” and “How fast will my healing happen?” Truth is, there is no simple answer because the healing process and outcome will be different for everyone.

There are a number of factors that bear on how fast the enzymes will work for you, including dosage, quality of sleep, diet, and physical activity. Even the very treatments you are undergoing to try to get better could be holding you back.

Are proteolytic enzymes safe for continued use?

Yes, proteolytic enzymes should be considered safe for continued use. There are three suggested usage protocols: one is a rotation of 12 weeks on and 4 weeks off; two is to take them continuously; and three is to take them on as-needed basis.

Who should not take proteolytic enzymes?

- Individuals taking prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix)

- Anyone who will be having surgery in less than two weeks

- Individuals with known ulcers of the stomach

- Individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.(GERD)

- Pregnant or lactating women

- Individuals currently taking antibiotics

- Individuals with an allergic reaction to pineapples or papayas

Are there any side effects?

Proteolytic enzymes have an excellent safety record, with no significant side effects reported. With any supplement, however, there is always the risk of developing an allergy to one or more ingredients. If this happens, you should discontinue use.

Choosing to try systemic proteolytic enzymes.

Remember, the enzymes are supporting the healing process, so recovery from any condition is going to take time. You don’t just take the enzymes and expect to get better immediately. By using these enzymes as part of a well-planned recovery process, you’re making a commitment to doing what it takes to make improvements in your life.

Everything I’ve told you so far I learned from people who are far more knowledgeable than I am about the role enzymes play in helping us achieve optimal health.

So, when I say that I had a hand in creating Lifezyme—albeit a small hand—I nevertheless did my part, which was to find the world’s best enzyme formulators. Once I had done that, I told them to make me the best product in the world—and that’s exactly what they did.

Without question, the Lifezyme Plus formula has the highest fibrolytic activity of any product in the world per dose. Our formulators blended 11 ingredients that would have a cascading effect, which means that they help support the work of the enzymes and deliver even more beneficial results.

I’m not a big fan of taking a lot of supplements. I drink my multivitamin and pop my enzymes—that’s it. I know that trying to figure out which supplements to take can be overwhelming and that taking supplements can get expensive. Still, I look at supplements as a long-term investment toward achieving optimal health.

So, if working toward optimal health is your goal and you think that your life and your body would benefit form having less fibrin and better blood flow, then you should seriously consider enzymes.

If you do decide to try enzymes, do me one favor: Never—ever—buy an enzyme that lists the dose in milligrams (mg) or has “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” on the label.

Enzymes are not measured in mg and should not be sold in mg. “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a shady way of not telling you the consumer how much enzyme is in the product, so don’t support a company that cannot be honest with you. Demand full disclosure on the label.

Incoming search terms:

• new roots serratopeptase

What can I expect during an echocardiogram?

Often when you visit a Cardiologist, your doctor suggests you for echocardiography of your heart. It is basically the ultrasound of Heart to diagnose various diseases of heart. With the help of sound waves moving picture of heart can be taken.

What can I expect during an echocardiogram?

Echo is a painless and simple procedure without involvement of any radiations. There are no known hazards or risks associated with echocardiography. When you are going to echo room, you will be asked to lie down on a bed and disrobe from the waist up. Doctor or echocardiographer will place electrode on your chest to record ECG during echocardiography. Small amount of gel is applied on your chest and then a small transducer will be placed near the sternum on your chest. Transducer produces sound waves towards the heart.

Echocardiographer may apply some pressure during echo on your chest with transducer. You may be asked to turn your side to left or right depending upon your technician position. You may be asked to hold your breath to take high quality pictures. Then technician will move transducer to different parts of chest to take picture of heart from different angles. Sometimes a dye may be injected before taking echo, as occasionally lungs ribs body tissue prevents sound waves to reach heart muscles. If your heart beat is too fast, then echo may give false result, so echo is avoided in fast tachycardia. A typical echo is performed in about 30-45 minutes. If you have a lung disease, obesity, restlessness or breathlessness, may result in longer test duration. During test, printed pictures are taken by technician from echo machine and later examined by a cardiologist.

]]>

What an echocardiogram reveals? What are uses of echocardiography?

Echocardiography can reveal many abnormalities of heart. For detail you may read my article” Who should have an Echocardiography”. Some abnormalities are minor and have no significant risk; however some problems are very serious that will require further assessment and evaluation by heart specialist. Abnormalities can be of wall of heart, Valves, or Pericardium (Thin layer around heart). Echo can reveal big heart size, thickened walls of heart muscles, valvular regurgitation or stenosis, infection or rheumatic fever, thickened, calcified, torn valve, prosthetic or artificial valve function evaluation, congenital abnormalities, tumors or thrombus. Echo can also reveal pumping function of heart which is very important factor for evaluating and treating a patient of heart attack. Echocardiograms are useful in diagnosing fluid in the pericardium, a thin layer that surrounds the heart, so diagnose a very serious emergency like cardiac temponade, also use-full in recording pressures in heart chambers and pulmonary artery. In short echocardiography is a miracle in the field of cardiology diagnostic tests.

What can I expect during an echocardiogram ? Article is written by Dr. Armughan Riaz M.B.B.S Dip Card. To Know more about Echocardiogram and cardiovascular diseases High blood pressure symptoms treatment, please visit our site.

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is the most frequently seen cyanotic (blue baby syndrome) heart abnormality. Tetralogy of Fallot is named after the French physician, Etienne Fallot in 1888 (also described in 1672 by Niels Stenson ) and is called a tetralogy because there are four main features that are commonly observed. The four heart defects which typically occur together are:

1. Right ventricular enlargement–The right ventricle becomes hypertrophied due to an excess workload that occurs in Tetralogy of Fallot. The normal right ventricle is much less muscular than the left ventricle. It normally pumps the blood into the low pressure pulmonary system that goes to the lungs but in Tetralogy of Fallot it works much harder to pump blood into the pulmonary vessels because the other heart defects obstruct blood flow in the pulmonary valve and sometimes just before the valve. The obstruction must be overcome by the right ventricle(RV)pumping harder and the muscle of the RV responds to this increased workload by becoming thicker and more muscular. The enlarged right ventricle can be seen on a chest xray as well as echocardiograms and other heart studies.

2. Overriding aorta–The aorta which is the main large artery arising from the left ventricle is located in an abnormal place in Tetralogy of Fallot. It is moved towards the right ventricle outflow region and that is why it is referred t as an “overriding aorta”. The aortic valve and aorta are in communication with or attached to the right ventricle. The amount that the aorta overrides the right ventricle greatly varies from patient to patient.

3. Pulmonic Valve stenosis–Normally, the blood leaves the right ventricle through the pulmonary valve which sends the blood to the pulmonary artery and the lungs. In Tetralogy of Fallot, the pulmonary valve opening is smaller. Narrowing can also occur just before blood gets to the pulmonary valve. The smaller openings are responsible for the right ventricle muscle enlargement that is part of Tetralogy of Fallot.

]]>

4. Ventricular Septal Defect or “VSD”– The wall between the right and left ventricles has a hole or defect in Tetralogy of Fallot. The hole is usually a large one.

Symptoms that Tetralogy of Fallot patients generally include:

*Hypercyanotic Attacks (Tet Spells)–Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot have spells where they suddenly turn a blue color due to a low oxygen in their bloodstream. The main cause of inadequate oxygen in the bloodstream is obstruction of blood flow to the pulmonary arteries which are supposed to send blood to the lungs where it should be picking up oxygen. When the patient has an less blood flow through the lungs due to elevated resistance in the pulmonary blood vessels, the patient turns blue. During a Tet spell, much of the blood goes directly from the right heart to the left heart through the ToF defects such as the Ventricular Septal Defect and the overriding aorta, the blueish color of the hypercyanotic spell is observed. The blue color means hemoglobin molecules in the blood are not bound to oxygen(deoxygenated hemoglobin is blue in color). The hypercyanotic (Tet) spells can be quite severe and may lead to death or organ damage.

*Cyanosis–Usually patients with Tetralogy of Fallot have lower than normal oxygen levels in their bloodstream. The lower oxygen levels cause the bluish lip and skin color because the deoxygenated blood is blue in color. The patient’s body makes extra red blood cells as a way to deal with the lower oxygen levels in the blood. The extra red blood cells result in a thicker than normal blood–the condition is referred to as polycythemia (meaning “many cells”).

*Dyspnea with exertion–The lower than normal oxygen levels of the blood cause the patients to get short of breath easily because their blood oxygen supply gets used up quickly when the patient is physically active.

*Reduced Growth of the patient –Infants with ToF may be slow to grow. This side effect of Tetralogy of Fallot is termed “failure to thrive”

The treatment for Hypercyanotic (Tet) spells in Tetralogy of Fallot is medical management. Surgery should be done to provide a long term correction to the condition.

The medical treatments for Tet spells aims to slow the heart rate and raise the systemic blood pressure in order to push the deoxygenated venous blood flow into the small pulmonary valve and pulmonary vessels. Propranolol is used to slow the heart rate and decrease right to left heart shunt. Patients with Tet spells often assume a squatting position which increases the amount of blood returning to the right heart from the veins and helps reduce hypercyanotic spells.

The surgical treatments for Tetralogy of Fallot range from complete corrective surgery to less complex procedures that simply relieve the pulmonary circuit obstructions. The original surgical treatment that was done to treat Tetralogy of Fallot was the Blalock-Taussig shunt. The Blalock-Taussig shunt works by connecting a large arterial branch from the aorta(the left subclavian artery) to the left pulmonary artery in order to bypass the pulmonic valve narrowing.

Successful complete surgical correction is now possible. Long term results are much better than in the past. Often additional surgeries are needed because of scarring and other changes near the defects that are repaired.

In the past (and in poor countries) where surgery may be unavailable Tetralogy of Fallot leads to congestive heart failure symptoms and premature death. About one third of patients survive ten years if left untreated. Surgically treated patients can live fairly normal lives. The surgically corrected patients continue to have an increased risk of cardiac problems and sudden death for the remainder of their lives.

Source: http://healthblaster.com/?page_id=21

Is there any method that you know of that can cure sciatica in such a short time, and with such permanent effects?

Grab A Copy Click here

Sciatica occurs due to a variety of reasons. It can happen due to Herniation of the Spinal Disc, Spinal Stenosis, Piriformis Syndrome, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and even Pregnancy.

If you are looking for a complete cure for sciatica and visit your doctor, they may arrange a physiotherapy treatment for you. They may ask you to perform a series of exercises. But will this cure sciatica completely? Drugs can be toxic to the body, even if they are prescribed medicines- plus, your body gets used to them. The moment you stop taking the medication, the pain will return.

]]>

Grab A Copy Click here

And about physiotherapy, the less said the better. Is there ever a quick result obtained from this method? You punish your body with painful exercises and often spend your last dollar too, but the pain remains right there and sometimes become worse. How long do you want to endure painful treatment when you are already in pain?

Forget these methods. I have a method for you that will cure your sciatica completely and assuredly without using any drugs or physiotherapy. It is completely natural. The treatment originates from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). However it’s 100 times better than Chinese medicine, acupuncture and other traditional Chinese treatments. And, your sciatica can be cured in a relatively short time.

Grab A Copy Click here

 

Back pain is also termed as Dorsalgia in the field of medicine. People repeatedly complain of having back pain mainly when they reach the age of 40 and up. There are certain conditions that arise if there is an occurring pain in the back. Back pain can sometimes be felt within hours, days or even longer.

Determining the Causes of Back Pain is related in this article. Here are the common causes.

1. Strains – This may be due to heavy lifting of objects like tables, wooden or metal chairs and other heavy objects. Back pain can also be felt if there is a sudden awkward movement of the body, thus causing strain.

2. Arthritis – Arthritis usually occurs in older individuals. The most common part of the body affected is the joints in the hands, knees and in the lower back. Some cases in arthritis patients, the condition may narrow the space in the spinal cord resulting to spinal stenosis.

3. Osteoporosis – This kind of disorder that causes back pain also happens in aging persons. The bones become brittle and porous and it may serve as a cause of pain in the back.

]]>

4. Psychological stress – Psychological stress can sometimes be the culprit of back pain. This is because of the stressful situation that affect any person in their surroundings. Medications can be given provided there is consultation with the doctor.

5. Sciatica – This condition is a herniated disk that gives pressure on the nerve parts on your lower body. A sharp pain in the legs and in the buttocks can be felt including back pain.

6. Osteomyelitis – This is due to the infections of the spine and bones. Pain and stiffness can be felt severely in the morning.

7. Injuries due to accidents – Back pain can be felt if there is a sudden blow or effect at the back part of your body. Another cause can also be a fractured bone that leads to severe pain. Sometimes injuries cannot be felt until there is an onset of back pain consulting the doctor is best for proper diagnosis.

8. Pregnancy – During pregnancy in women, the weight of the mother together with the fetus adds up and the ligaments and the muscles stretches causing the back bones to be pulled also hence, pain is felt. Proper posture must be maintained to prevent pain in the back.

9. Overweight – Being overweight cause imbalance. The bone structure may not fully support the whole body thus; there is a sensation of pain in the back. Proper diet should be met to lose some weight and to control the pain.

10. Cancer – This is the worst case scenario of having pains in the back. There can be a possibility that tumors can expand on the spine or in certain parts in the back. It can be malignant or benign. Consulting a specialist doctor is the best option to diagnose if it can be resolved.

These are some of the causes of back pain of severe or just a slight pain in the back. Back pain must be taken seriously because there may be more underlying conditions.

Is there any method that you know of that can cure sciatica in such a short time, and with such permanent effects?

Grab A Copy Click here

Sciatica occurs due to a variety of reasons. It can happen due to Herniation of the Spinal Disc, Spinal Stenosis, Piriformis Syndrome, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and even Pregnancy.

If you are looking for a complete cure for sciatica and visit your doctor, they may arrange a physiotherapy treatment for you. They may ask you to perform a series of exercises. But will this cure sciatica completely? Drugs can be toxic to the body, even if they are prescribed medicines- plus, your body gets used to them. The moment you stop taking the medication, the pain will return.

]]>

Grab A Copy Click here

And about physiotherapy, the less said the better. Is there ever a quick result obtained from this method? You punish your body with painful exercises and often spend your last dollar too, but the pain remains right there and sometimes become worse. How long do you want to endure painful treatment when you are already in pain?

Forget these methods. I have a method for you that will cure your sciatica completely and assuredly without using any drugs or physiotherapy. It is completely natural. The treatment originates from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). However it’s 100 times better than Chinese medicine, acupuncture and other traditional Chinese treatments. And, your sciatica can be cured in a relatively short time.

Grab A Copy Click here

 

Is there any method that you know of that can cure sciatica in such a short time, and with such permanent effects?

Grab A Copy Click here

Sciatica occurs due to a variety of reasons. It can happen due to Herniation of the Spinal Disc, Spinal Stenosis, Piriformis Syndrome, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and even Pregnancy.

If you are looking for a complete cure for sciatica and visit your doctor, they may arrange a physiotherapy treatment for you. They may ask you to perform a series of exercises. But will this cure sciatica completely? Drugs can be toxic to the body, even if they are prescribed medicines- plus, your body gets used to them. The moment you stop taking the medication, the pain will return.

]]>

Grab A Copy Click here

And about physiotherapy, the less said the better. Is there ever a quick result obtained from this method? You punish your body with painful exercises and often spend your last dollar too, but the pain remains right there and sometimes become worse. How long do you want to endure painful treatment when you are already in pain?

Forget these methods. I have a method for you that will cure your sciatica completely and assuredly without using any drugs or physiotherapy. It is completely natural. The treatment originates from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). However it’s 100 times better than Chinese medicine, acupuncture and other traditional Chinese treatments. And, your sciatica can be cured in a relatively short time.

Grab A Copy Click here

 

Angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when an area of your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also may occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It can feel like indigestion.

It is common to equate severity of angina with risk of fatal cardiac events. There is a weak relationship between severity of pain and degree of oxygen deprivation in the heart muscle (i.e. there can be severe pain with little or no risk of a heart attack, and a heart attack can occur without pain).

Angina also can occur in people with valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (this is an enlarged heart due to disease) or uncontrolled high blood pressure. These cases are rare, though.

What causes angina?

Coronary artery disease

Coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease develops as cholesterol is deposited in the artery wall, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque.

Research suggests that damage to the inner layers of the coronary arteries causes CAD. Smoking, high levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure, and a high level of sugar in the blood (due to insulin resistance or diabetes) can damage the coronary arteries.

]]>

Increased extravascular forces, such as severe LV hypertrophy caused by hypertension, aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or increased LV diastolic pressures

Reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, such as elevated carboxyhemoglobin or severe anemia (hemoglobin,
Congenital anomalies of the origin and/or course of the major epicardial coronary arteries

Symptoms of Angina

Classic or typical angina occurs predictably with physical exertion or strong emotional reactions, and goes away just as predictably with rest. Starting immediately behind the sternum (breast bone), the pain may radiate to the left arm and shoulder or up to the jaw.

The pain isn’t a sudden, shooting, stabbing, or burning type. It’s often described as either a dull ache, pressure, heaviness, or a crushing sensation. Pain that comes and goes over a few seconds is also unlikely to be angina, which is steady and often predictable.

Treatment of Angina

Nitroglycerin and long acting nitrates: Nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets placed under the tongue (known as sublingual; sub=under and lingua=tongue), is a very effective means of treating angina. The tablet dissolves under the tongue and may have a slightly sharp, burning or tingling taste. Tablets which have this taste when fresh but subsequently become tasteless may indicate loss of effectiveness and potency. They need to be replaced by a fresh supply when they pass the expiration date printed on the bottle label; usually a few months after purchase.

Attend regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure and get advice on how to reduce it if necessary.

If you have diabetes, you should aim to closely control your blood sugar levels, as advised by your nurse or doctor.

Your doctor will also monitor your cholesterol level – if it’s too high, your doctor can advise you about your options for reducing it.

Incoming search terms:

• aortic valve replacement continuous method
• can sedentary lifestyle lead to mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy without high blood pressure