Chest pain when muscles of heart don’t receive enough oxygen

Related to atherosclerotic heart disease and coronary heart disease

Spasms of the muscles

Several less common causes exist

***Location and duration are key

Pain should follow exercise or emotional episodes. But can also be attributed to cold temperatures and having a full stomach.

Typically lasts more then 30 seconds and less then 5 minutes

Nitroglycerin should improve symptoms

Other cardiac work-ups/testing may be needed in some individuals

Types:

1.)   Stable angina
          -   above mentioned criteria

2.)   Unstable angina
          -   can also occur at rest
          -   can last greater then 10 minutes
          -   can be more severe

Symptoms

   -    Chest tightness
   -    Chest discomfort
   -    Chest pressure
   -    Burining pain
   -    Chocking sensation
   -    Pain in abdomen
   -    Pain in jaw, shoulders, and/or back
   -    Dizziness
   -    Nausea

Tests
     · ECG
     · Exercise ECG
     · Scintigraphic Assessment of Ischemia
     · Echocardiography
     · CT 
     · MRI
     · Coronary Angiography
     · Left Ventricle Angiography

Treatment

Medication
·         Nitroglycerin
·         Beta-Blockers
·         Calcium Channel Blockers
                  1.  Verapamil
                  2.  Diltiazem
                  3.  Dihydropyridine group
·         Ranolazine  (Ranexa)
·         Clopidogrel (Plavix)
·         Aspirin

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Stenting