Angina

Description
Angina is a specific type of chest discomfort caused by inadequate blood flow through the blood vessels (coronary vessels) of the heart muscle (myocardium). This chest pain is relieved by rest or medication within a short period of time (usually 15 minutes). Chest pain of a longer duration or pain appearing with a lower level of effort than before, even at rest, should be considered unstable angina.

Risk Factors
See heart attack

Symptoms
Chest pain or angina is discomfort or pain anywhere along the front of the body between the neck and upper abdomen.

Diagnostic Tools
There are many tests to diagnose angina. Usually, more than one test is done before a definitive diagnosis can be made. These tests may include:

• cardiac CT
• coronary angiography
• ECG
• physical examination and patient history
• stress test

Treatment Options
Medications for angina may include:

• aspirin
• beta-blockers
• calcium channel blockers
• nitroglycerin
• oral nitrates
• other medications to control high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or abnormal heart rhythms.

Additional treatment may include cardiac rehabilitation.

If medications fail or in more severe cases, physicians may recommend one of the following treatment options:

• angioplasty
• coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)