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Site FeedbackChest Pain (Angina/Angina Pectoris)
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Description | Treatment Options | John Muir Health Capabilities | Related Links
Definition
Transient or temporary chest pain, usually lasting less than five to 10 minutes. Attacks frequently occur during physical activity or emotional stress. Pain is usually concentrated under the sternum (breast bone). Sometimes pain radiates to the neck, throat and lower jaw, down the left arm, and/or is concentrated in the stomach, back, or across the right side of the chest.
Description
What causes angina?
Essentially, angina is a muscle cramp in the heart. It develops when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen for its needs. The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Over time, these important arteries may thicken and narrow due to fatty deposits. This narrowing restricts the flow of blood and the result is pain in the chest. Angina, therefore, is a form of coronary artery disease. The most common cause of coronary artery disease is Atherosclerosis (a build-up of cholesterol and fats on the artery walls). During stress, such as exercise, the heart demands an increase in blood flow to meet the increased workload. If the supply can't meet the demand, the heart muscle suffers. As the narrowing increases, the supply becomes less and less and the episodes of angina increase. Sometimes the pain can occur during rest and the pain may last longer. If the episodes increase in severity and frequency, the angina is said to be "unstable" and may be a warning sign that a heart attack is about to happen. Angina requires treatment by an expert in cardiac disease.
Treatment Options
What can be done about angina?
People with angina are at high risk for a heart attack, and treatment must take that into account. Angina is a symptom of a problem that could lead to death. Often, the diagnosis and treatment of angina/chest pain begins in the Emergency Department, John Muir Health is proud of its ability to rapidly respond to cardiac emergencies. Well equipped and expertly staffed Emergency Departments are available at both sites to expertly diagnosis and care for individuals with cardiac problems. Competent clinical staff and doctors certified in emergency care are available seven days a week and twenty-four hours a day to care for patients. The Emergency Department is often the first to diagnosis and provides immediate care for someone with a cardiac problem. Doctors trained in treating individuals with angina and cardiac disease will begin by carefully evaluating the health history as well as current complaints. Blood tests and an electrocardiogram usually begin the process that will assist the doctor in planning treatment. Treatment may include a variety of medications. Drugs that expand (dilate) the heart's arteries, such as nitroglycerin, can give immediate relief during an acute attack. Other drugs help over the long term by making the heart's work easier. It is also important to slow or reverse the progression of atherosclerosis by treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and reducing other risk factors.
Diagnostic procedures such as an exercise stress test or a echocardiogram may help the doctor pinpoint the problem and determine the severity. Special medications may be indicated to control the angina attack while other drugs may decrease the frequency and severity of attacks. If the frequency of angina increases or the pain worsens, a procedure called a cardiac catheterization (cardiac cath or heart cath) may be indicated to provide the doctor with a picture of the coronary arteries. This picture will identify arteries that are narrow or blocked. With this information, the doctor can decide how best to treat the problem. Procedures (such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass) may be indicated to correct the problem.
Diagnostic procedures such as an exercise stress test or a echocardiogram may help the doctor pinpoint the problem and determine the severity. Special medications may be indicated to control the angina attack while other drugs may decrease the frequency and severity of attacks. If the frequency of angina increases or the pain worsens, a procedure called a cardiac catheterization (cardiac cath or heart cath) may be indicated to provide the doctor with a picture of the coronary arteries. This picture will identify arteries that are narrow or blocked. With this information, the doctor can decide how best to treat the problem. Procedures (such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass) may be indicated to correct the problem.
John Muir Health Capabilities
John Muir Health is a leader in heart care. John Muir Health has a 30-year record of saving and mending hearts. Both John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus rank among California's top hospital providers of cardiac care. State of the art technology as well as expert physicians a leader in heart care and clinical staff are available on a 24 hour seven day a week basis. Our outstanding group of medical and surgical cardiac care professionals brings the most advanced heart care to serve our community. From emergency cardiac care and to cardiac rehabilitation, John Muir Health is capable of meeting the needs of individuals with new or ongoing heart problems.