Angina Pectoris: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Angina pectoris, a feeling of pressure or pain in the chest, can be a sign of an underlying heart condition. At Elytis Hospitalwe understand the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to maintain your heart health. This article explores symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment options for angina pectoris, including the benefits of interventional cardiology.

What is angina pectoris and why does it occur?

Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygenated blood. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol plaques build up on the walls of the coronary arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.

Symptoms of angina pectoris:

Typical symptoms of angina include:

• Chest pain or pressure, described as a feeling of tightness, heaviness or burning
• Pain that may spread to the arms, shoulder, neck, jaw or back
• Feeling of suffocation or shortness of breath
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea or dizziness

Atypical symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Extreme fatigue

Diagnosis of angina pectoris

The Elytis Hospitalwe use a number of advanced diagnostic methods to assess your cardiovascular condition:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): measures the heart's electrical activity and can detect abnormalities.
• Exercise Stress Test: Evaluates how your heart works during physical activity.
• Echocardiography: uses ultrasound to create a picture of the heart and assess its function.
• Coronary angiography: a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter and contrast dye to visualize the coronary arteries and identify blockages.

Treatment of angina pectoris

Treatment of angina depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. At Elytis Hospitalwe offer a full range of treatment options, including:

• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and managing stress can help relieve symptoms and prevent disease progression.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to dilate the coronary arteries, reduce the frequency of angina attacks and prevent complications.
• Interventional Cardiology Elytis Hospital, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures, such as coronary angioplasty and stenting, to restore blood flow to the heart.

Coronary angioplasty and stenting at Elytis Hospital:

Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter with a balloon is inserted into a blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to dilate the artery and a stent (a small metal tube) is placed to keep the artery open. This procedure can significantly improve blood flow to the heart and relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris.

The benefits of interventional cardiology at Elytis Hospital:

• Minimally invasive approach: small incisions reduce discomfort, risks and recovery time.
• Fast and accurate diagnosis: We use advanced imaging technologies to get a clear picture of the coronary arteries.
• Experienced team: our interventional cardiologists have extensive experience in treating complex cases.
• Quick and safe recovery: Patients recover faster and can return to their normal activities.

Why choose Elytis Hospital?

The Elytis Hospitalwe offer you access to state-of-the-art treatments, a personalized approach and a team of dedicated specialists who prioritize your safety and comfort.

Angina pectoris can be a serious condition, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can lead an active and healthy life. At Elytis Hospitalwe are here to give you the care you need.

Don't ignore chest pain or other potential symptoms of angina pectoris. Contact Elytis Hospital today for a complete cardiovascular evaluation.

Latest medical review:

13.02.2025, Dr. Matei Theodor Theodor Iulian - Medical Specialist

References:

• Boden, William E., et al."Reprising Heberden's description of angina pectoris after 250 years". European Heart Journal, 2023, vol. 44, no. 19, pg. 1684-1686.
• Ermatov , F., Juraboyev, O., Umarov, S."Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Angina Pectoris". Modern Science and Research, vol. 4, no. 2, pg. 134-139.
• Ford, Thomas Joseph, Berry, Colin."Angina: contemporary diagnosis and management". Chronic Ischaemic Heart Disease, 2020, vol. 106, pg. 387-398.
• Lemkes, Jorrit S. (dr.), et. al. "Coronary angiography after cardiac arrest without ST-segment elevation". The New England Journal of Medicine, 2019, vol. 380, no.15.
• The SCOT-HEART Investigators. "Coronary CT Angiography and 5-Year Risk of Myocardial Infarction." The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018, vol. 379, no. 10.
• Yudi, Matias B., et. al. "Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement". Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 71, no. 12, pg. 1360 - 1378.