Angina Pectoris
Learn About Angina Pectoris
What is the condition angina pectoris?
Angina pectoris (or simply angina) is defined by recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. Angina is a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD), which occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis.
What are the symptoms of angina pectoris?
Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) does not receive an adequate amount of blood needed for a given level of work (insufficient blood supply is called ischemia). The following are the most common symptoms of angina. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- a pressing, squeezing, or crushing pain, usually in the chest under the breast bone
- pain radiating in the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, and/or back
- nausea and shortness of breath may accompany the pain
The chest pain associated with angina usually begins with physical exertion. Other triggers include emotional stress, extreme cold and heat, heavy meals, excessive alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. Angina may have similar symptoms as a heart attack, but unlike the chest pain associated with a heart attack, the pain from angina usually goes away within a few minutes with rest or with the use of a cardiac prescription medication (i.e., nitroglycerin). The symptoms of angina pectoris may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for more information.
What is the relationship between angina pectoris and heart attack risk?
An episode of angina does not indicate that a heart attack is occurring, or that a heart attack is about to occur. Angina does indicate, however, that coronary heart disease is present and that some part of the heart is not receiving an adequate blood supply. Persons with angina have an increased risk of heart attack. A person who has angina should note the patterns of his/her symptoms - what causes the chest pain, what it feels like, how long episodes usually last, and whether medication relieves the pain. Call for medical assistance if the angina symptoms change sharply.
How is angina pectoris diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, a physician can often diagnose angina pectoris by noting the patient’s symptoms and how often/when they occur. Certain diagnostic procedures may also determine the severity of the coronary heart disease, and may include:
- electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
- stress test (also called treadmill or exercise ECG) - a test that is given while a patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bicycle to monitor the heart during exercise. Breathing and blood pressure rates are also monitored. A stress test may be used to detect coronary artery disease, and/or to determine safe levels of exercise following a heart attack or heart surgery.
- coronary arteriogram (or angiogram) - a procedure in which x-rays are taken after a contrast agent is injected into an artery to locate the narrowing, occlusions, and other abnormalities of specific arteries.