Angina Pectoris (Heart Attack)

Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries (coronary artery disease). It serves as a critical warning sign of potential heart problems.

Causes and Triggers

  • Reduced oxygen supply to the heart due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
  • Increased demand during physical exertion, stress, or cold temperatures
  • Risk factors: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol

Symptoms of Angina

  • Chest pressure, tightness, or squeezing pain (often behind the breastbone)
  • Pain radiating to the arms (usually left), neck, jaw, or back
  • Shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue (especially in women)

Types of Angina

  1. Stable Angina
    • Predictable, triggered by exertion or stress
    • Relieved by rest or nitroglycerin
  2. Unstable Angina
    • Occurs unpredictably, even at rest
    • Higher risk of progressing to a heart attack
  3. Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina
    • Caused by coronary artery spasms
    • Often occurs at rest

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic Tests:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
  • Stress testing
  • Coronary angiography

Treatment Options:
✔ Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
✔ Medications (nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, statins)
✔ Procedures (angioplasty with stenting, bypass surgery)

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical help if:

  • Chest pain lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • Symptoms worsen or don’t improve with rest/nitroglycerin
  • Accompanied by sweating, dizziness, or fainting

Prevention and Long-Term Management

  • Control risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
  • Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist
  • Cardiac rehabilitation for supervised recovery
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Years of experience:
4 Results
Elham Looti Sharokh

Elham Looti Sharokh

Cardiologist

Dr. Elham Looti Sharokh is a distinguished Associate Professor of Cardiology based in Tehran, renowned for her extensive expertise and commitment to advancing […]

22 years of experience
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Lia Mirsafaei

Cardiologist

Dr. Lia Mirsafaei is a distinguished cardiologist based in Tehran, Iran. She completed her medical degree at Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran, one […]

Samira Alipour

Samira Alipour

Cardiologist

Dr. Samira Alipour is a distinguished cardiologist with extensive experience in managing cardiovascular diseases. She completed her medical education and cardiology specialization at […]

Farhad Haj Sheikholeslami

Farhad Haj Sheikholeslami

Cardiologist

Dr. Farhad Haj Sheikholeslami is a prominent cardiologist based in Tehran, Iran. He is a Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences professor, showcasing […]