Angina Pectoris: Diagnosis and Treatment of Chest Pain Caused by Coronary Artery Narrowing | Dr. Rami Raafat

Angina pectoris is one of the most common heart conditions and serves as an important warning sign that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. It often presents as chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that may radiate to the shoulder, arm, jaw, or back and usually becomes worse during physical exertion or emotional stress. Dr. Rami Raafat emphasizes that early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks and heart failure.

First: What Is Angina Pectoris?

Angina pectoris is a condition that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood because of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. As a result, the heart struggles to meet its oxygen demands, especially during exercise or stress, leading to chest pain or discomfort.

Angina itself is not a disease but rather one of the primary symptoms of coronary artery disease. Ignoring its warning signs may lead to severe cardiovascular complications if left undiagnosed or untreated.

Second: What Causes Angina Pectoris?

Angina most commonly develops when fatty deposits and cholesterol build up inside the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. Several medical and lifestyle factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Smoking and tobacco use.
• Obesity and excess body weight.
• Lack of regular physical activity.
• Chronic stress and anxiety.
• A family history of heart disease.

Third: Symptoms of Angina Pectoris

Symptoms of angina may vary from one person to another. However, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure, often accompanied by additional warning signs that require prompt medical evaluation.

• Chest pain or pressure.
• Pain spreading to the left arm or both shoulders.
• Pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or back.
• Shortness of breath.
• Excessive sweating.
• Nausea or dizziness.
• Unusual fatigue, especially during physical activity.

Some patients, particularly older adults and individuals with diabetes, may experience atypical or mild symptoms. Therefore, recurring chest discomfort should never be ignored.

Fourth: When Is Chest Pain Considered Dangerous?

Chest pain should be treated as a medical emergency if it lasts for several minutes, becomes severe, or is associated with shortness of breath, cold sweating, fainting, or persistent pain radiating to the arm or jaw. These symptoms may indicate an acute heart attack and require immediate emergency medical care.

Fifth: How Is Angina Pectoris Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with reviewing the patient's medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests help determine the cause of chest pain and assess the condition of the heart muscle and coronary arteries.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Echocardiography (Echo).
• Exercise stress test.
• Cardiac enzyme blood tests when necessary.
• Coronary CT angiography.
• Diagnostic coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization).

Selecting the appropriate diagnostic tests allows the cardiologist to accurately identify the underlying cause of chest pain and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient's condition.