Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. There are several types of angina, and the signs and symptoms depend on which type you have.
Angina chest pain, called an angina event, can happen when your heart is working hard. It can go away when you stop to rest again, or it can happen at rest. This pain can feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. It also can spread to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, just like a heart attack. Angina pain can even feel like an upset stomach. Symptoms can be different for women and men.
Diagnosing Angina
To diagnose angina, your cardiologist will ask you about your signs and symptoms and may run blood tests, take an X-ray, or order tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), an exercise stress test, or cardiac catheterization, to determine how well your heart is working.
Treating Angina
Your cardiologist will decide on a treatment approach based on the type of angina you have, your symptoms, test results, and risk of complications. Unstable angina is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. If your angina is stable and your symptoms are not getting worse, you may be able to control your angina with heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines. If lifestyle changes and medicines cannot control your angina, you may need a medical procedure to improve blood flow and relieve your angina.
Make an Appointment With a Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care Cardiologist
To make an appointment or to schedule diagnostic testing, call 833.SJHEART (833.754.3278)