Chest pain should never be ignored, but not all chest pain is associated with heart attacks. Dr. Marek Janout, Cardiologist at Palouse Heart Center, explains what angina is, how it’s treated, and what people who experience angina symptoms should do.
What is angina?
Angina is a discomfort, often felt as a faux-choking sensation, pressure, vice-like squeezing, and sometimes outright pain in the chest, neck, jaw, or just below the rib cage. It can also be felt in the mid-upper back alone. It’s caused by reduced oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s important to note that angina is not a disease- it’s a symptom of an underlying heart disease.
“The sensation of angina does not improve with exertion,” explains Dr. Janout. Symptoms last for minutes and rarely last for hours.
Does angina go away on its own?
Angina episodes often go away by themselves, and they can also be relieved by stopping physical exertion or by using nitroglycerin (a prescribed oral medication that relaxes blood vessels and increases oxygen and blood supply to the heart). Angina that will not go away with rest or medication should be evaluated by a cardiologist.
It can be helpful to keep a log of your angina episodes to share with your healthcare provider. Important things to note include the pain level, what the episode felt like, and any other information about the event (such as the activity you were doing when symptoms began, if it was night versus daytime, etc.).
What does angina treatment entail?
Angina is often treated with medicines (like nitroglycerin). More severe cases may require stents, bypass surgery, or addressing a condition like rapid arrhythmia or excess thyroid hormone. One of the many benefits of working with a cardiologist is to develop the best treatment for your health and lifestyle.
“Our patients can expect our team appreciates the complexities of every unique person. We value accuracy, being thorough and helping our patients feel supported through the process of the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, says Dr. Janout.
Can you prevent angina?
You can help prevent angina through a variety of heart-healthy choices, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, and staying active.
When should you seek medical care?
Dr. Janout encourages individuals to seek medical care whenever they’re concerned. He notes that the urgency of seeking care depends on the severity and progression of symptoms. Always call 911 if your symptoms are consistent with those of a heart attack or stroke. You should also call 911 if your angina suddenly becomes worse or doesn’t go away with rest or your prescribed medication.
Ask your primary care provider for a referral to Palouse Heart Center or visit pullmanregional.org/palouse-heart-center to learn more about our cardiologists, services, and treatment options.
