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Angina

Angina or Angina Pectoris is a condition where individuals experience chest pain as the primary symptom but you are often not having a Heart Attack.

This condition occurs when the muscles of the Heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen. There is often a blockage of the vessels of the heart impeding oxygen.

Often the vessel most commonly involved in the coronary artery, but not always. The blockage is closely related to atherosclerotic heart disease as well as Coronary Heart Disease.

The resulting problem creates spasms of the cardiac muscles result in chest discomfort or pain.

Several less common causes exist.

The Location and Duration of the symptoms are the key

Pain associated with Angina often follows exercise or emotional episodes. But it can also be attributed to cold temperatures or having a full stomach.

Typically the symptoms of Angina last more than 30 seconds but less than 5 minutes. Nitroglycerin should improve symptoms.

Other cardiac work-ups/testing may be needed in some individuals if symptoms don’t resolve, the pain worsens, or additional problems are noted.

Types:

1.)  Stable angina

–  The above-mentioned criteria

2.)  Unstable angina

–  It can also occur at rest
–  It may last greater than 10 minutes
–  Can be more severe

Symptoms

–  Chest tightness
–  Chest discomfort
–  Chest pressure
–  Burning pain
–  Choking sensation
–  Pain in the abdomen
–  Pain in jaw, shoulders, and/or back
–  Dizziness
–  Nausea

Diagnostic Testing

–  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