Overview of Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often a sign of underlying coronary artery disease, where the arteries become narrowed or blocked due to cholesterol buildup. While angina itself is not a heart attack, it is a serious warning sign that requires medical attention. Under the expert care of Dr. Karthik Raghuram, patients receive accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and personalised guidance to prevent complications and protect long-term heart health.

Why Angina Should Not Be Ignored

Angina indicates that the heart is under stress due to reduced blood flow. Without proper treatment, it can progress to:

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Dangerous rhythm disturbances

• Sudden cardiac emergencies

Early evaluation helps identify blockages and ensures proper management before the condition becomes life-threatening.

Types of Angina

1. Stable Angina

• Occurs during physical activity or stress

• Improves with rest or medication

• Predictable pattern

2. Unstable Angina

• Occurs even at rest

• Sudden and severe

• Medical emergency (high risk of heart attack)

3. Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina

• Caused by coronary artery spasm

• Often occurs at night or early morning

Understanding the type helps guide the right treatment.

Common Symptoms of Angina

Angina symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or tightness

• Pressure or heaviness in the chest

• Pain radiating to the arms, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating or nausea

• Light-headedness or fatigue

Symptoms often last a few minutes and worsen with exertion.

What Causes Angina?

The most common cause is coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque buildup narrows the arteries. Other contributing factors include:

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Lack of physical activity

• Stress

• Family history of heart disease

Identifying the cause helps create a targeted treatment plan.

How Angina Is Diagnosed

Dr. Karthik Raghuram uses a systematic diagnostic approach to evaluate angina:

1. Clinical Examination

Detailed evaluation of chest pain pattern, risk factors, and medical history.

2. Diagnostic Tests

• ECG: Detects electrical abnormalities

• 2D Echocardiogram: Assesses heart function

• Treadmill Test (TMT): Identifies blockages during exertion

• Blood Tests: Check cardiac markers, cholesterol, and sugar levels

• CT Coronary Angiography: Non-invasive imaging of heart arteries

• Coronary Angiography: Gold standard test to detect exact blockages

These tests help determine the severity and guide treatment.

Treatment Approach for Angina

Angina treatment focuses on restoring proper blood flow to the heart and preventing future complications.

1. Medication Therapy

• Nitrates to relieve chest pain

• Antiplatelet drugs (Aspirin, Clopidogrel)

• Cholesterol-lowering medications

• Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers

• Diabetes and BP management

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Heart-healthy diet

• Regular exercise

• Weight management

• Quitting smoking and alcohol reduction

• Stress control

3. Interventional Procedures

If tests show significant blockages:

• Angioplasty & stenting to open narrowed arteries

• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in severe cases

Dr. Karthik ensures each patient receives the safest and most effective treatment.

Complications of Untreated Angina

Without proper treatment, angina can lead to:

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Life-threatening arrhythmias

• Reduced heart function

• Sudden cardiac death

Prompt diagnosis greatly reduces these risks.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes

• Pain spreading to the jaw, arm, or back

• Severe shortness of breath

• Sudden dizziness or fainting

• Cold sweats, nausea, or extreme anxiety

These could indicate a heart attack.

Book Your Angina Evaluation

Do not ignore chest discomfort. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Karthik Raghuram to receive expert diagnosis, advanced treatment, and guidance to protect your heart health.