Chest Pain / Angina
Chest Pain / Angina
Angina, characterized by discomfort or pain in the chest, occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This condition can signify an underlying heart problem, necessitating prompt evaluation and treatment.
HeartCare Texas is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals experiencing chest pain or angina. Through advanced diagnostic techniques and personalized treatment approaches, we strive to identify the root cause of chest pain and alleviate symptoms effectively.
What causes chest pain?
Among the most frequent causes of chest pain is the onset of a heart attack, which typically ranges from intense, sharp pain localized in one area to a dull ache spreading across the chest and back, or radiating into the arm or leg.
But numerous non-cardiac conditions, like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, can also lead to chest pain.
Other possible chest pain causes include:
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Strained chest muscles
- Acid reflux
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Aortic aneurysms
- Asthma
- Heart rhythm problems
- Pneumonia
- Esophagitis
- Lung cancer
What are the symptoms of chest pain?
Symptoms of chest pain that can be noticeable if it's heart-related are:
- Crushing pain, chest pressure, tightness or burning pain through the back, jaw, neck, arms, and shoulders
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
Chest pain symptoms that are not heart-related are:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Pain after swallowing
- Harsh pain when you take a deep breath or cough
- Hyperventilating
What are the risk factors for angina?
Some of the common angina risk factors are:
- Family history of heart disease or a heart attack
- Diabetes leading to a risk of coronary artery disease
- Persistent high blood pressure
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Emotional stress
- Substance misuse
- Age over 45 years
- Tobacco use
- Other health conditions like chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, or metabolic syndrome
If you experience chest pain under physical exertion, see a cardiologist immediately.
Chest pain or angina treatment at HeartCare Texas
Diagnosis and tests
At HeartCare Texas, diagnosing angina involves a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and risk factors. This may include inquiries about your family history of heart disease.
To confirm angina, we conduct various tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests and stress test
- Echocardiogram
- Nuclear stress test
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Coronary angiogram
Treatment approach
Our treatment options aim to reduce angina episodes, alleviate symptoms, and lower the risk of heart attack and death. Immediate treatment is crucial if you experience unstable angina or unusual chest pain.
Medications: Medications prescribed for angina treatment include nitrates, aspirin, clot-preventing drugs, beta-blockers, statins, calcium channel blockers, and other blood pressure medicines.
Surgery and Procedures: If lifestyle changes and medications don't alleviate angina, procedures such as angioplasty with stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be necessary. These procedures aim to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce angina symptoms.