In the ever-bustling rhythm of daily life, it's easy to overlook the subtle health signs our bodies send us. But when it comes to heart health, the faintest whisper could be crucial. How we respond to it depends on the knowledge we have about our own hearts. With angina, a condition often overlooked as chest discomfort or pain, this could serve as an early warning sign of potential coronary artery disease (CAD).

Identifying angina early is crucial for several reasons. It allows for timely interventions that can help delay disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of more serious cardiac events.

Understanding Angina and Its Impact

Angina is typically experienced as a sensation of discomfort, pain, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest. It can also manifest as light-headedness or discomfort in the arms and back. While these symptoms might seem vague or easy to dismiss, they could be indicative of a more serious underlying condition. The urgency of addressing angina becomes clear when we consider India's cardiovascular health landscape. Moreover, Indians have a 20-50% higher CAD mortality rate compared to other populations.

The focus on Diagnosis

One of the key challenges in managing angina lies in its diagnosis. People often display atypical angina symptoms, which can lead to missed diagnoses. These may include shortness of breath, excessive sweating, heartburn, nausea, or stable angina - a type of chest pain triggered by emotional or physical stress or exercise. The diagnosis becomes even more complex for women, who are more likely than men to experience uncommon symptoms such as jaw or neck pain, exhaustion, and non-chest discomfort. This variability in symptoms can result in solutions that may give symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying causes of angina.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection and management can also help avoid additional healthcare costs in the long run. Recognizing this need, Abbott has developed three unique tools to support the diagnosis, prognosis, and medical management of angina. These include-

1. Optimal Treatment of Angina (OPTA) Clinical Checklist: A tool for healthcare professionals to identify angina symptoms early.

2. OPTA Questionnaire: A patient-centered approach to gather comprehensive symptom information.

3. OPTA Approach: A structured method for the optimal management of angina.

With Association of Physicians of India (API's) recommendation, these tools are expected to assist healthcare professionals in making timely diagnosis, which is the first step towards optimal management.

A Collaborative Effort for Better Heart Health

The 'Angina Awareness Week', initiated in June this year, represents a significant step towards addressing the cardiovascular health challenges faced by India. By raising awareness about angina and providing healthcare professionals with effective diagnostic tools, API (Association of Physicians of India) and Abbott aim to improve early detection rates and enhance patient outcomes.

As we move forward, the 'Angina Awareness Week' serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking timely medical advice.  For healthcare professionals, the new OPTA tools offer an opportunity to enhance their diagnostic capabilities and provide better care for their patients.

For the general public, this initiative serves as a call to prioritize heart health and pay attention to even the subtle warning signs. By learning to listen to our heart’s whispers and seeking professional help when needed, we can work towards a healthier, more heart-conscious/health-conscious population.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.