Angina

At Upperhill CardioVascular Center, your heart and vascular health matter to us.

The cardiology and vascular specialists at CardioVascular Health Center are experienced in the full spectrum of Angina. We are committed to providing you with the best care possible.

We use only the latest technology in our state-of-the-art facilities to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide array of vascular and cardiovascular conditions that may impede your quality of life, Angina included.

Let’s discuss Angina in more detail, including what it is, potential symptoms, and effective treatment options.

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) and can manifest as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest, which may also radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina typically occurs during physical exertion, emotional stress, or after heavy meals and is usually relieved by rest or medication.

Types of Angina

1. Stable Angina: Predictable and occurs during activities that increase the heart’s workload. It is usually short-lived and resolves with rest or medication.
2. Unstable Angina: More unpredictable and can occur at rest or with minimal exertion. It may last longer and is not relieved by usual medications, indicating a higher risk of heart attack.
3. Variant Angina (Prinzmetal’s Angina): Caused by spasms in the coronary arteries, leading to temporary reductions in blood flow, often occurring at rest or during sleep.

Symptoms

Symptoms of angina can include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• • Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessing risk factors and symptoms.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): To evaluate heart rhythm and detect ischemic changes.
  • Stress Testing: Monitoring heart performance under physical stress.
  • Imaging Studies: Such as echocardiograms or coronary angiography to visualize blood flow.