Angina
Why get checked?
Discover the stories of other people living with angina, like you.
What do I need to pay attention to?
The risk factors1
The following factors play an important role in a person’s chances of developing angina. You may have one or more but don’t worry, you can be proactive by making lifestyle changes.
High heart rate.
Diabetes.
Family history of heart disease.
Unhealthy diet.
High blood pressure.
Obesity.
Lack of exercise.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
High cholesterol.
Increasing age.
Emotional stress.
Smoking.
The possible complications1,2
Angina pain or discomfort caused by angina may interfere with some of your daily activities and require rest. Beyond that, angina is dangerous; the most serious complication that can occur is a myocardial infarction, also called heart attack, which can lead to cardiac arrest. This is why it is important to listen carefully to your doctor’s recommendations and to make some lifestyle changes.
Risk factors
(Lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressures, etc)
Imbalance between O2supply and demand
Myocardial infarction
(cardiac arrest)
Heart failure
Reduction in the diameter of the artery due to fatty deposits or spasms
Myocardial ischemia
Arrhythmias
Risk factors
(Lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressures, etc)
Reduction in the diameter of the artery due to fatty deposits or spasms
Imbalance between O2supply and demand
Myocardial ischemia
Myocardial infarction
(cardiac arrest)
Arrhythmias
Heart failure
How is angina diagnosed?1
Electrocardiogram
Measures your heart’s activity to see if your heart is functioning properly
Echocardiogram
Produces images of your heart to check if your heart is damaged
Stress test
To see your heart’s response while you exercise
Blood tests
To check for some specific proteins that are released in your blood when your heart is suffering
Chest X-rays
Takes images of your heart and lungs to see if how you feel is caused by other conditions
Coronary angiography
Takes a series of images of your coronary vessels in your heart to analyze the state and level of obstruction
Cardiac computerized tomography
Imaging test where you lie in a doughnut-shaped machine that will take pictures of your heart and chest
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Imaging test where you lie in a tube-like machine that will create detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels
Your doctor may diagnose angina based on:
A physical exam.
Your symptoms.
Your risk factors.
Your family’s medical history.
Did you know?
43%
of patients have underrecognized angina.3
What should I ask my doctor?4
Use this checklist to help you prepare for your next doctor visit.
- What treatments are available and what do you recommend?
- What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- How often do I need to have a follow-up visit with you about angina?
- What websites do you recommend visiting? What foods should I eat or avoid?
- Are there any brochures or other printed materials that I can take home with me?
References
2
Custodis F et al. J Cardiol. 2013;62(3):183-187.
3
Qintar M et al. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. 2016;2(3):208-214.
4
ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. How to Prepare Your Medical Visit: Advice for Angina Patients. Suresnes, France: Servier; 2020.
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The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Last modified date: 4/1/2022
