Angina is a leading symptom of heart issues, but not many people are familiar with the term. If you’ve ever noticed chest pain or pressure, or had a sense of a heavy weight on your chest, you’ve experienced it. Angina isn’t just any chest pain, but rather chest pain related to reduced blood flow to your heart.
Top-ranked New York cardiologist Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, provides compassionate heart care at his private practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. When you experience angina or any other symptoms of a heart issue, Dr. Graf encourages you to get an evaluation right away to avoid severe complications, including a heart attack.
Learning more about angina may help you better understand your overall heart health. Here’s what you should know about angina and what causes it.
Angina involves chest pain, but not all chest pain is angina. If you find that you experience chest pain or pressure when your heart pumps harder, it may be angina. You might experience such symptoms when you exercise or feel stressed, for example.
Another easy way to recognize angina is to take note of symptoms that occur at the same time. Alongside chest pain, pressure, or tightness, you might experience:
It’s important to note that angina typically isn’t characterized by a sharp pain – it tends to feel dull or burning. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary, but you shouldn’t ignore chest pain of any kind, especially if it’s new or worsening.
Dr. Graf evaluates chest pain or pressure to determine if it constitutes angina and to discover the underlying cause. Narrowed or blocked coronary arteries can lead to angina as they make it more difficult for blood to reach your heart.
The most common cause of angina is coronary artery disease (CAD), which happens when your arteries narrow because of fatty deposits called plaques. Sometimes, these plaque deposits can break free and cause blood clots, further decreasing blood flow to your heart.
Dr. Graf uses a variety of tests and tools to measure your heart’s blood flow. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) involves placing electrodes on the skin of your chest, arms, and legs to measure electrical activity from your heart. This, along with a physical exam, is typically the first step in diagnosing angina.
Dr. Graf might use additional tests after reviewing your ECG results, such as a stress test or heart imaging.
Treatment for angina depends on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Fortunately, you might be able to alleviate your discomfort through lifestyle changes alone. Dr. Graf might recommend:
Rarely, more aggressive treatments or surgery can treat the underlying issues causing angina. Dr. Graf recommends the least invasive strategies first and monitors your condition during treatment.
Schedule an appointment online or over the phone today at Dr. Graf’s New York City office to learn more about angina and how to treat it.
