Angina is a symptom of ischaemic heart disease. It is a central chest pain, which is usually described as ‘gripping’, ‘heavy’, or ‘tight’. Anginal pain may go to the arms and/or jaw. It can range from a mild ache to a very severe pain, which provokes fear and increased sweating. Sometimes, it may be associated with shortness of breath.
Usually, angina develops during physical or mental exertion. It disappears by stopping physical exertion or using glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). The main cause of angina is a narrowing of a coronary artery or its branch by fat deposits in the arterial wall (atherosclerosis or plaque build-up). Two coronary arteries and their branches supply blood to the heart muscle (myocardium). Atherosclerosis can partially occlude a coronary artery, causing insufficient blood flow to a particular part of the heart muscle. During an exercise, the heart works hard to pump more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the working tissues. Therefore, the myocardium needs more oxygen, which is not sufficient in angina.
If you are physically more active, you may improve angina gradually. However, each person is physically different, and the severity of the angina is not the same in everyone. Therefore, each person with angina should follow a specialised workout plan. If you are a person with angina, it is necessary to discuss with and get the opinion from your personal trainer as well as your physician before starting any exercise.
Angina has two major forms. Stable angina causes the chest pain during exercise and disappears when you rest. It is the suitable form for exercise therapy. You may feel angina even if you are at rest. This form is known as unstable angina, which is severe and less predictable compared to stable angina. It could be an alarming sign of a fatal heart attack.
The best type of workout for patients with stable angina is an aerobic exercise, like cycling or walking. It helps the heart to receive more blood through the narrowed coronary arteries. Gradual warm-up and cool-down periods before and following workout respectively are essential factors, because they enable the heart to modify gradually to changes in blood circulation through the working tissues. Your workout plan should start with short sessions (for about 15 minutes) of low-intensity exercise. The workout session can increase in duration and intensity over time.
Beginning with moderate- or high-intensity exercise won’t help improve angina. Individuals with angina should increase the intensity gradually for the maximum benefit. Otherwise, extremely strenuous exercise may increase the probability of a heart attack.
It is best to avoid working out in extreme cold or hot environments too, because it can lead to serious complications of angina. Therefore, the exercise plan needs to be performed in moderate-temperature conditions.
Related Links:
Why Is Angina Important?
Exercise and Your Cardiovascular System
How Do You Prevent Another Heart Attack?
Related Links:
Why Is Angina Important?
Exercise and Your Cardiovascular System
How Do You Prevent Another Heart Attack?
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