If you have ever experienced a feeling of pressure, tightness, squeezing, or pain in your chest, you may have experienced angina. Angina occurs when there is a reduced flow of blood to the heart and is often associated with coronary artery disease. While this type of pain is common, Boynton Beach heart care specialists warn patients that it can often be confused with other types of pain (such as indigestion).
Angina pain can be broken down into four major categories: stable, unstable, Microvascular, and Variant. Each type has its own set of symptoms and may require different forms of treatment. Stable angina is the most common form and may occur when the heart is overworked. The fortunate thing about this type of pain is that it follows patterns, making it easy to predict when you may next experience it. Medication such as nitrates or aspirin can help to treat the symptoms of this type of angina.
Unstable angina does not follow a pattern, making it more difficult to predict when symptoms may occur. It is also more likely to occur often and with more severe symptoms. Medication may not be enough to relieve the pain. Because this type of angina is associated with heart attacks it is important to receive medical attention should it arise.
Microvascular Angina is less common than other types of angina and has the unfortunate characteristic of lingering for an extended period of time. Sufferers may feel fatigued or short of breath and may find that pain is more likely during mentally stressful periods of time. Medication may or may not help treat this type of pain.
Finally, variant angina (also known as Prinzmetal’s angina) is a rare type of angina pain that can be very severe. Sufferers are most likely to experience this issue while they are at rest, generally between midnight and early in the morning. Fortunately, medication is often able to relieve this type of pain.
If you are worried you may be suffering from angina your Delray Beach cardiologist may run a series of tests. After a physical examination in which you explain your symptoms, your doctor may run an electrocardiogram, a stress test, or an echocardiogram. These tests can help determine whether your heart is receiving enough blood. Your doctor may also take a chest x-ray in order to better visualize your heart and lungs.
Treatment for angina varies, but in many cases lifestyle changes are enough to control symptoms. Smoking cessation, weight loss, diabetes control, and stress relief can all help eliminate angina pain. Surgical options may be employed depending on the type and severity of your symptoms. Unstable angina may be addressed through angioplasty, a procedure, which uses a balloon and a stent to help keep a compromised artery open.
While angina is a symptom rather than a condition in and of itself, it may be a signal of a very serious problem. It is important to talk to your Delray Beach heart doctor about any unexplained chest pain you may be experiencing. South Palm Cardiovascular Associates is happy to offer assistance in diagnosing and treating angina, so don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 561-515-0080 if you have any questions.
