Angina

Overview

Angina, commonly known as chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, is often experienced as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest. It is a symptom of underlying heart conditions, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD).

Angina may resemble a heart attack, so prompt assessment is important. At Cardiology Care NYC, we identify the root cause of angina and provide personalized treatment plans to manage symptoms and reduce future heart risks.

Types of Angina

• Stable Angina: Triggered by physical activity or stress and typically improves with rest.
• Unstable Angina: Occurs unpredictably, may happen at rest, and requires immediate medical attention.
• Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina: Caused by coronary artery spasms, often occurring at night or during rest.
• Microvascular Angina: Involves dysfunction of small blood vessels and is more common in women.

Causes

Angina results from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.

Risk factors include:

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress
• Family history of heart disease
• Older age

Symptoms

Common angina symptoms include:

• Chest pain or pressure (often behind the breastbone)
• Pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Tightness, heaviness, or burning sensation
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea or dizziness
• Sweating or clammy skin

Unstable angina or sudden worsening chest pain requires immediate medical care.

Diagnosis

At Cardiology Care NYC, diagnosing angina involves identifying its pattern, triggers, and underlying heart condition through comprehensive cardiac testing.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and ischemic changes
• Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function
• Stress testing to determine heart performance during exertion
• Holter monitoring to detect arrhythmias or ischemia
• Blood tests for cardiac markers and risk factor assessment
• Cardiac screening and risk evaluation

Treatment

Angina management focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing the progression of heart disease, and reducing the risk of a heart attack.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet
• Engage in regular, guided physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress levels

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow, reduce heart workload, and prevent complications, such as:

• Nitrates for chest pain relief
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs
• Statins for cholesterol control
• Antiplatelet medications

Ongoing Care

Regular follow-ups help monitor symptoms, adjust medications, and evaluate heart function. Our team provides guidance to prevent complications and improve overall heart health.

When To See A Doctor

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• New or worsening chest pain
• Pain occurring at rest
• Pain lasting longer than usual
• Chest pain with shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting

If you have recurring chest discomfort or risk factors for heart disease, schedule a comprehensive checkup at Cardiology Care NYC. Early assessment and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.