Angina (Chest Pain)

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup.

Although angina itself is not a heart attack, it is a serious warning sign that you may be at increased risk of having one. Recognizing and treating angina early can significantly improve heart health and prevent complications.

Overview and Symptoms

Angina usually occurs when the heart needs more oxygen-rich blood than the arteries can supply. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or heaviness in the chest. The pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

Chest pain lasting about 10 minutes or less
Pain that worsens with exertion and eases with rest
Shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating
Pain triggered by stress, cold weather, or large meals
May sometimes be mistaken for indigestion

Types of Angina

Stable Angina

Occurs predictably during exertion or stress
Relieved by rest or medication (e.g., nitroglycerin)
Indicates increased heart disease risk

Unstable Angina

Unpredictable and can occur at rest
Not relieved by rest or medication
May signal an impending heart attack and requires urgent care

Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina

Caused by temporary spasm of a coronary artery
Can occur at rest, often at night or early morning
More common in younger individuals and may cause severe pain

Diagnosis

To diagnose angina, doctors at Nano Hospitals perform a detailed evaluation including medical history, physical exam, and specialized tests such as:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Blood tests to assess heart enzymes and cholesterol
Stress test (treadmill or pharmacological)
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Coronary angiography (to visualize blockages)
CT coronary scan

Treatment

Angina Treatment at Nano Hospitals

Our cardiology experts focus on restoring healthy blood flow to the heart through lifestyle changes, medication, and advanced interventional procedures when needed.

Lifestyle Modifications

Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in fat and cholesterol)
Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular exercise (as advised by your cardiologist)
Manage stress through yoga, breathing, or counseling

Medications

Statins to lower cholesterol
Aspirin or other blood thinners to prevent clots
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers to reduce heart strain
Nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain

Advanced Treatments

For patients with significant artery blockages, Nano Hospitals offers advanced interventional cardiology procedures such as:

Angioplasty (PCI): Opens narrowed arteries using a balloon and stent placement
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Surgery to improve blood flow by bypassing blocked arteries

Our multidisciplinary cardiology team provides continuous monitoring, personalized cardiac rehabilitation, and preventive care to ensure long-term heart health.