Questions and Answers

Your doctor will decide on a treatment approach based on the type of angina you have, your symptoms, test results, and risk of complications. Unstable angina is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. If your angina is stable and your symptoms are not getting worse, you may be able to control […] Read More

Your doctor may diagnose angina based on your medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests and procedures. These tests can help assess whether you need immediate treatment for a heart attack. Some of these tests may help rule out other conditions. • Medical history Your doctor will want to learn about your signs and […] Read More

Signs and symptoms vary based on the type of angina you have and on whether you are a man or a woman. Angina symptoms can differ in severity, location in the body, timing, and how much relief you may feel with rest or medicines. Since symptoms of angina and of heart attack can be the […] Read More

Typically, doctors screen for angina only when you have symptoms. However, your doctor may assess your risk factors for ischemic heart disease every few years as part of your regular office visits. If you have two or more risk factors, then your doctor may estimate the chance that you will develop ischemic heart disease, which […] Read More

You may have an increased risk for angina because of your age, environment or occupation, genetics, lifestyle, other medical conditions, race, or sex. • Age Genetic or lifestyle factors can cause plaque to build up in your arteries as you age. This means that your risk for ischemic heart disease and angina increases as you […] Read More

Angina happens when your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Medical conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease, or lifestyle habits can cause angina. Angina usually happens because of heart disease. A fatty substance called plaque builds up in your arteries, blocking blood flow to your heart muscle. This forces your heart to work with […] Read More

• Stable angina. This is the most common. Physical activity or stress can trigger it. It usually lasts a few minutes, and it goes away when you rest. It isn’t a heart attack, but it can be a sign that you’re more likely to have one. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. Stable […] Read More

Also known as Angina Pectoris, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Microvascular Angina, Prinzmetal’s Angina, Stable Angina, Unstable Angina, Variant Angina, Vasospastic Angina, Cardiac Syndrome X. Angina pectoris is Latin and literally means “chest pain”. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is […] Read More

You can’t always prevent arrhythmias. Regular checkups with your doctor can help keep you from having more heart rhythm problems. Be sure they know all the medications you’re taking. Some cold and cough medicines can trigger an arrhythmia, so talk to your doctor before using them. They may also recommend some lifestyle changes: • Eat […] Read More

Without treatment, an uneven heart rhythm could cause dangerous problems such as: • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These cognitive disorders may happen because your brain doesn’t get enough blood over time. • Heart failure. Your heart might not pump as well as it should after repeated arrhythmias. • Stroke. Blood that lingers in your atria […] Read More