Angina (Chest Pain) Overview
Angina refers to pain in the chest, arm, back, jaw or shoulder and is an indicator of Coronary Heart Disease. The pain is described as tightness, squeezing, burning or pressure behind the breastbone. The sufferer may be nauseous, sweating, tired or short of breath. Standard heart tests (EKG, stress test, X-rays, etc.) will be used to diagnose the problem. Nitroglycerin is used for pain. Lifestyle changes are needed to reduce heart attack risk. Heart surgery may be necessary.
Angina refers to pain in the chest, arm, back, jaw or shoulder and is an indicator of Coronary Heart Disease. The pain is described as tightness, squeezing, burning or pressure behind the breastbone. The sufferer may be nauseous, sweating, tired or short of breath. Standard heart tests (EKG, stress test, X-rays, etc.) will be used to diagnose the problem. Nitroglycerin is used for pain. Lifestyle changes are needed to reduce heart attack risk. Heart surgery may be necessary.
There are four types of angina: