Angina
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This occurs when arteries that carry blood to your heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis or a blood clot. Angina is not the same thing as a heart attack, but it may feel like one. Angina symptoms include squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. Symptoms often occur during exertion and can be felt when the heart works harder and faster, such as when you exercise or climb stairs.
Angina may be a warning that you have heart disease. If you are having symptoms, talk to your Spectrum Health primary care physician right away. New or different symptoms may signal a more serious condition or heart attack. If you have unexplained chest pain, seek medical attention right away.
Treatment options
Our team of nearly 100 specialists has the capability to address every aspect of heart and vascular expertise you may need throughout your lifetime. This expansive team of experts comes together for real-time consultations to determine the best course of treatment for our patients at the Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center and at convenient Spectrum Health locations and partner hospitals throughout the region. Our team of experts has earned the respect and trust of patients and referring physicians as the beacon for high-quality care and exceptional patient experience.
The Spectrum Health CTO clinic utilizes the latest diagnostic techniques in the care of patients and families with Chronic Total Occlusion.
Along with very important lifestyle changes, there are a variety of medicines used to help treat heart conditions. Medicines for heart disease are used to ease discomfort or lessen symptoms, but some can also be essential in preventing life-threatening episodes. It is important to take your medicines exactly as prescribed, and work with your doctor on both lifestyle and medicine changes.
An angioplasty is a less invasive procedure that opens a clogged artery with a small balloon. This can be done through the wrist (radial) or the groin (femoral) artery. Typically this procedure includes the placement of stents.
This non-invasive procedure is meant to decrease the severity and occurrences of angina episodes. Three pairs of inflatable cuffs are placed around the legs. These cuffs expand and retract in an effort to improve blood flow and return more blood to the heart.
Get a Second Opinion
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