Angina Specialist

What is angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain involving reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina, also called angina pectoris, is described as a squeezing, pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain in your chest.

What are the symptoms of angina?

The hallmark symptom of angina is chest pain. Other symptoms include:

• Pain in your jaw, shoulder, neck, back, or arms
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath

If you experience chest pain or other concerning symptoms, you should visit Dr. Dubroff for an evaluation as soon as possible.

If you have more severe symptoms and feel like you can’t breathe or like you might be having a heart attack, have someone take you to your local hospital’s emergency room as soon as possible.

Stable angina

Stable angina is its most common form. It usually happens when you exert yourself and subsides with rest. The pain from stable angina lasts a short time, usually five minutes or less.

Unstable angina

Unstable angina is more severe and can be dangerous. Unstable angina occurs even at rest and lasts longer than stable angina, often 30 minutes or longer. Unstable angina can be a sign that you’re having a heart attack.

Prinzmetal’s angina

Prinzmetal’s angina is a rare type of angina caused by a spasm in the arteries of your heart that temporarily decreases blood flow.

What causes angina?

Angina is the result of reduced blood flow to your heart muscle. Your blood carries oxygen to your heart. The most common cause of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle is coronary artery disease, where the coronary arteries are narrowed by fatty deposits (plaque).

Certain factors increase your risk of developing angina and coronary artery disease, including:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides
• Family history of heart disease
• Aging
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Stress

Increasing the demand for oxygen like during exercise can trigger an angina attack.

How is angina diagnosed?

To diagnose angina, Dr. Dubroff first performs a physical exam and then discusses your symptoms as well as your medical and family history. He could suggest certain tests like a convenient, in-office echocardiogram or chest X-ray.

After reaching a diagnosis, Dr. Dubroff devises a personalized treatment plan. To treat angina, Dr. Dubroff could recommend any of several treatments, including:

• Medications
• Lifestyle changes
• Angioplasty and stenting
• Coronary bypass surgery
• Stopping smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption

Dr. Dubroff can lower your risk of a heart attack and provide you with the highest standard of cardiologic care. To make an appointment, call the practice today.