Angina is otherwise known as chest pain. There are different types of angina that occur at different times with varying levels of activity. Some people experience angina when they are exercising or when the heart is working harder than it usually does. Others experience angina when they are at rest. Any person that thinks they may have angina should consult their doctor right away. Some types can be relieved with medicine and lifestyle changes while others may need immediate medical attention.

Causes

People experience chest pain, or angina, because the blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to the heart are clogged with fatty material called plaque. Plaque is a result of coronary artery disease more commonly known as heart disease. The plaque causes the arteries to become stiff and narrow. The actual chest pain, or angina, occurs because it is difficult for the blood to pass through the arteries.

Diagnosis

Angina is typically diagnosed by a doctor or cardiologist with one or more tests. Those tests may include one or more of the following:

Electrocardiogram – Also known as an EKG or ECG, an electrocardiogram records a person’s electrical heart pattern while at rest.
Exercise stress test – this test records a person’s electrical heart pattern while exercising on a treadmill.
Nuclear Scan – During a nuclear scan a person receives an injection of a very small amount of radioactive material while at rest and with exercise; then a special camera can detect areas of the heart that are not receiving enough blood and oxygen.
Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram uses sound waves to show the structure and movement of a person’s heart muscle.
Angiogram - During an angiogram a cardiologist inserts a catheter into a person’s groin or arm and guides the catheter into the heart. Then, with x-ray contrast fluid, the cardiologist can view inside the arteries and determine if there are any blockages.

Treatment

Treatment for angina includes lifestyle changes, medicine and special procedures. Lifestyle changes may include a healthy heart diet, weight loss, smoking cessation, and moderate exercise. Medicines can help relax and widen blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the heart while reducing its workload. If lifestyle and medicine are not enough to treat a person’s angina, a cardiologist may recommend a special procedure such as an angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.