GENERAL CARDIOLOGY
Angina/Chest Pain
Angina is another term for temporary discomfort in your chest, arm or jaw that occurs when part of your heart does not receive enough oxygen. This is often caused by a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. Typically, angina occurs with exertion or stress, when your heart works harder and needs more oxygen.
The most common cause of angina is coronary artery disease, which is the buildup of fatty deposits inside the walls of your coronary arteries. Over time these deposits, known as plaque, can expand and eventually reduce the blood flow in your coronary arteries. The resulting diminished blood flow may cause angina or a heart attack. Other causes of angina include coronary spasm, thickened heart muscle or valvular disease.
To properly diagnose the cause of your angina, your physician will ask you several questions about your pain, such as where is it located, when do you feel it, what makes it start and how long does it last. Your physician will also review your past medical history, family history and lifestyle. He or she will ask you about specific risk factors such as high cholesterol and cigarette smoking. After this, your physician may recommend certain diagnostic tests to further evaluate your heart. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), an exercise ECG Test, a thallium scan, exercise cardiogram or an angiogram.
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