Angina: causes, symptoms, and diagnosis

Angina is, in medical terms, defined as dull and tight chest pain that typically occurs when there is restriction in the blood supply to the heart muscles.

Here to explain what exactly the condition is in more detail, how it is diagnosed, and to outline the main symptoms of angina, is highly esteemed London and Edinburgh-based consultant cardiologist, Professor James Spratt.

What exactly is angina?

Angina describes the sensation of chest pain or equivalent (it can also be experienced as breathlessness) and is felt when there is an imbalance between the energy required by the heart and the energy that’s actually supplied. This is why it is usually felt during exercise, as the amount the heart beats increases with exercise and stress.

What are the main causes of angina?

The most common cause of angina is coronary artery disease, which leads to a build-up of plaque in coronary arteries, which in turn impedes flow. Angina can also be caused by problems in the function of smaller arteries (arterioles), leading to similar symptoms but different treatments (primarily medication).

What are the main symptoms?

The most specific symptom of angina is limitation in exercise tolerance, usually due to crushing chest pain (also described as chest tightness). Angina is also frequently associated with breathlessness (which can occur in isolation, without the chest pain).

How exactly is angina diagnosed?

Angina is a clinical syndrome. This simply means that it requires a history that is consistent with angina, as well as various different confirmatory tests.

These tests may include an exercise tolerance test – a treadmill walk while wired to an ECG (heart leads), or an equivalent functional test. A functional test can determine whether the heart is short of blood under conditions of stress and can be performed by echocardiography (ultrasound scan), MRI or CT scanner.

Sometimes, an anatomical test is also required. This can either be non-invasive, such as a CT scan, or invasive, such as a coronary angiogram.

What is the most effective way to treat angina?

If you are diagnosed with angina, not to worry, as there are a number of treatment options available to you.

Your doctor will likely advise you to reduce your risk factors. This will include:

• following a sensible weight-loss program
• increasing your intake of vegetables and fruit
• reducing your intake of sugar and trans fats
• stopping smoking
• exercising more regularly

Professor James Spratt is an exceptionally well-regarded consultant cardiologist who specialises in angina, along with many other heart-related conditions. Head on over to his Top Doctors profile today to book a consultation with him.