Stable vs. Unstable

Angina pain has specific triggers. Chest pain usually results from physical exertion or emotional stress, and angina pain can often be predicted as individuals learn to recognize triggers. For instance, running to catch a bus or shoveling snow may cause chest pain. Excitement or anger may also trigger angina pain. Angina pain caused by the two "classic" triggers, emotions and exertion, is considered stable angina... Read more >

Types of Angina

Not all forms of angina match "classic" angina symptoms and triggers. Some forms occur at night, or while the individual is at rest. Symptoms may be absent altogether, or they may include unusual symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Other types of angina, such as variant angina and Syndrome X, cause chest pain but present with normal angiography test results. Silent Angina and Dyspnea Silent angina... Read more >

Diagnosing Angina

Chest pain that is alleviated by rest and caused by physical exertion is a reasonably clear indication of angina. Those symptoms alone may be enough to make a medical diagnosis. However, medical diagnostic tests should be used to distinguish between symptoms of angina and symptoms of a heart attack.   Diagnostic tools such as the EKG, ultrasound, myocardial perfusion scan, and coronary angiography are used... Read more >

Treatment for Angina

Symptoms of angina are usually attributable to atherosclerosis, which clogs coronary arteries with cholesterol plaques. The goal of angina treatment is to prevent atherosclerosis from worsening. In addition, treatment alleviates symptoms of angina and improves quality of life. Lifestyle Changes: Smoking and Cholesterol Levels Lifestyle changes, particularly dietary improvements, can slow the progression of... Read more >

Symptoms of Angina

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines angina as "a medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease." The AHA estimates that over 6.8 million Americans experience angina symptoms. Angina is a painful condition indicating the presence of coronary artery disease, and increasing the risk of heart attack and heart failure. Causes of Angina Angina, or angina pectoris, is caused by... Read more >

Angina Resources

American Heart Association. (nd). Angina pectoris.Retrieved January 29, 2004, fromwww.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4472.American Heart Association. (nd). Heart and stroke facts. Retrieved January 29, 2004, fromwww.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1056719919740HSFact s2003text.pdf.American Heart Association. (2004). Heart disease and stroke statistics: 2004 update. Retrieved January 29, 2004... Read more >