Doctor's Notes on What Is Angina (Ischemic Chest Pain)?
Angina (also termed angina pectoris) is a term for the temporary chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart doesn't get quite enough blood and doesn't function at full capacity. Angina is a symptom itself. The signs and symptoms of angina are temporary pain (lasting a few seconds to a few minutes) or pressure, feeling of fullness, and/or squeezing in the center the chest or in other areas such as the neck, shoulder, jaw, upper arms, or upper back.
Angina is usually caused when the person physically exerts themselves, experiences strong emotions or stress, experiences extreme temperature changes, or even when they eat a meal. Almost anything that increases the demand on the heart can trigger or cause angina.
However, not all chest pain or pressure and other symptoms of angina indicate the person has angina -- if they are first-time occurrence or if symptoms of angina last more than a few minutes, they may be helpful warning signs to seek emergency medical help to avoid or treat a heart attack.
What Is the Treatment for Angina?
In general, nitrates and beta-blockers are the first choice for treatment. Guidelines for treatment of angina include the following:
- Lifestyle changes (for example, smoking cessation, regular exercise)
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Low-dose aspirin
- Statins
- Nitrates
- Clot-preventing drugs
- Blood pressure-lowering drugs
Your doctors can establish a treatment protocol designed for you.
Heart Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz

In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
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Chest Pain
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Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean
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Cholesterol Test
Cholesterol tests measure the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. The test is also referred to as a lipoprotein profile or lipoprotein analysis. The test measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels in the blood. Few risks are associated with cholesterol tests. -
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a condition in which a person's heart is failing and it can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Sometimes people with CHF don't know they have it. Early signs and symptoms symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, and having problems breathing; especially when lying down. And, if you have breathing problems like asthma, COPD, or emphysema and you think your condition is worsening. There are four stages of CHF. There's no cure for CHF, but treatments include drug therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes to relive symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Life expectancy depends on existing medical problems, age, and overall health. -
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
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Hardening of the Arteries (Atherosclerosis)
Atherosclerosis is the term referring to a hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fat and cholesterol on the artery walls. The deposits, called plaque, can eventually block blood flow. Obesity, high cholesterol, age and a number of other factors put people at risk for atherosclerosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, surgery, and medication. -
Heart Attack
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Heart Disease
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
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High Cholesterol
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High Cholesterol Management
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High Cholesterol: Medications to Lower
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How to Lower Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally present in the body. Diets high in fat, inactivity, and obesity contribute to high cholesterol. Some factors such as genetics are uncontrollable for having high cholesterol. You can lower your cholesterol levels naturally with lifestyle changes such as weight loss and control, exercise, diet, and quitting smoking. If these measures don't lower cholesterol enough a person may need to take cholesterol medications. -
Statins (Cholesterol Lowering Drugs)
Statins are a class of drug prescribed for reducing blood cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol. Examples of statins available include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), pitavastatin (Livalo), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Common side effects include brown, discolored urine, vomiting, muscle weakness, leg pain, muscle soreness, and stomach cramps. Drug and food interactions, warnings and precautions, and serious side effects should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.