Chest Pain/Angina

What is Angina?

Angina, or chest pain, can come in many forms and have many underlying causes. Some of these causes aren’t of serious concern, while others may need immediate follow-up and treatment.

There are two types of angina:

• Stable Angina: This kind of angina occurs when not enough oxygen is getting to your heart, such as with coronary artery disease. This may cause tightness or heaviness in the chest, and may cause pain to radiate to the jaw, neck, back, or arms.
• Unstable Angina: This kind of angina occurs when not enough oxygen is getting to your heart, such as with coronary artery disease. This may cause tightness or heaviness in the chest, and may cause pain to radiate to the jaw, neck, back, or arms.

Both types of angina need evaluation and proper treatment by your cardiologist at Phoenix Heart.

What are Possible Causes of Chest Pain?

Not all chest pain is related to heart problems. Angina is heart-related chest pain, and underlying causes may include:

• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Infection of the heart muscle or lining
• Aortic aneurysm or dissection

Your chest pain may also be associated with other conditions such as:

• Gallbladder problems
• Heartburn, ulcer, or other digestive problems
• Pulled muscles or fractured bones of the chest
• Blood clots in lungs
• Respiratory infections
• Nerve problems, such as shingles

Evaluation of your chest pain is important, to ensure that it doesn’t need immediate treatment.

How is Chest Pain Evaluated?

Your provider evaluates your chest pain initially by taking a health history and performing a complete physical assessment. They also perform blood tests, including cholesterol and cardiac enzymes, and diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram, or echo
• Stress test
• Nuclear stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary angiogram

These tests help determine if your chest pain is cardiac-related. If your pain is associated with heart problems, your cardiologist creates a plan of care for you with the goal of treating the cause of your pain and restoring your heart health.

What are Possible Treatments for Chest Pain?

Depending on the severity and urgency of the underlying cause of your angina, your provider may order treatments ranging from conservative to emergent, including:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Weight loss
• Angioplasty or stenting
• Cardiac bypass surgery

It’s sometimes tempting to ignore signs and symptoms of serious health conditions. Chest pain is a symptom that should always be evaluated, to avoid damage to your heart, or even death.

For an expert evaluation of your chest pain or angina, call today or book an appointment online with Phoenix Heart.