Angina

Understanding severe chest pain may be lifesaving

Angina pectoris is severe chest pain that occurs when your heart does not receive enough blood.

It is most commonly a symptom of coronary heart disease caused by plaque build-up in your arteries. This reduces blood flow to the heart and puts you at risk of a heart attack.

With angina, you may feel pressure in your chest, or pain radiating into your shoulders, neck or jaw. Although angina is commonly a symptom of coronary heart disease, it is not always a sign you have it. Sometimes panic attacks, aortic stenosis or other conditions can cause chest pain. 

Angina may be referred to as stable or unstable. Stable angina is the most common type of chest pain. It can usually be treated with a combination of rest and medication. Unstable angina is more life threatening; the pain is more intense and can last longer than 20 minutes. Unstable angina and heart attacks have similar symptoms. It's important to know the difference so that you can seek emergency medical attention if necessary.

Symptoms

With angina, you may feel pressure in your chest, or pain radiating into your shoulders, neck or jaw. Although angina is commonly a symptom of coronary heart disease, it is not always a sign you have it. Sometimes panic attacks, aortic stenosis or other conditions can cause chest pain. 

Angina may be referred to as stable or unstable. Stable angina is the most common type of chest pain. It can usually be treated with a combination of rest and medication. Unstable angina is more life threatening; the pain is more intense and can last longer than 20 minutes. Unstable angina and heart attacks have similar symptoms. It's important to know the difference so that you can seek emergency medical attention if necessary.

IU Health Heart & Vascular Care physicians will provide you with expert diagnosis and treatment of angina and heart disease. Our physicians help more patients improve their heart health every year than any other health system in Indiana. Our Level One emergency care assures expertise with speed to get you from treatment, to rehabilitation, to recovery at home. We will work with you every step of the way.

Diagnosis and treatment options for angina and its underlying causes, include:

  • Electrocardiogram
  • Cardiac stress test
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Education
  • Medication therapies
  • Balloon angioplasty
  • Coronary artery stent
  • Coronary artery bypass graft
  • Cardiac rehabilitation

Always see a physician when you experience chest pain to ensure you get the help you need.

Treatment

IU Health Heart & Vascular Care physicians will provide you with expert diagnosis and treatment of angina and heart disease. Our physicians help more patients improve their heart health every year than any other health system in Indiana. Our Level One emergency care assures expertise with speed to get you from treatment, to rehabilitation, to recovery at home. We will work with you every step of the way.

Diagnosis and treatment options for angina and its underlying causes, include:

  • Electrocardiogram
  • Cardiac stress test
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Education
  • Medication therapies
  • Balloon angioplasty
  • Coronary artery stent
  • Coronary artery bypass graft
  • Cardiac rehabilitation

Always see a physician when you experience chest pain to ensure you get the help you need.

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