What Is Angina? Understanding the Warning Signs of Heart-Related Chest Pain

Chest pain is common and can have a variety of causes, including several that are benign. However, chest pain could be the sign of a cardiovascular issue called angina. Angina is often an early warning sign of a heart attack.

If you have chest pain, you might be tempted to dismiss it as heartburn, a panic attack, or another transitory condition. However, chest pain is your body’s attempt to get your attention.

At Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, our providers urge you to pay attention to chest pain, including how intense it is and how long it lasts. If you think you may have angina or another cardiovascular issue, we recommend a cardiology evaluation.

When is your chest pain considered to be angina? Below are the warning signs of heart-related distress.

First, what is angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain that arises when your heart struggles to pump blood through your body. If you have angina — particularly unstable angina — you’re at increased risk for dire complications, including:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Cardiac arrest
• Arrhythmias

Angina has different varieties. Each may be treated differently:

• Stable angina occurs during exercise and fades at rest
• Unstable angina occurs even at rest
• Variant angina involves heart spasms that occur in cycles, especially at rest
• Refractory angina is chronic and persistent, despite treatment

During your evaluation, your cardiologist conducts a thorough exam and testing to determine what variation of angina you have. Once you have a diagnosis, our team provides individualized care with a customized treatment plan.

Does your chest pain occur during or after meals?

Chest pain that only occurs around mealtime may not have a cardiac origin. You could have severe heartburn, in which acid flows back up your esophagus, causing burning and discomfort.

If your chest pain is limited to mealtimes, you probably don’t have angina. However, work with your doctor to control your heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the pain continues, please consult us.

Does your pain occur during exercise or other activity?

A hallmark of angina is chest pain that occurs when you exercise or activity, even walking. When you have angina, your heart is already working extra hard to circulate your blood. Adding in exercise or a vigorous activity only compounds the stress.

When you stop moving, does your pain subside? If so, you may have stable angina. Consult our team immediately so we can help your struggling heart.

Does your pain last or fade and come back?

If your pain lasts for more than 15 minutes, you may have a more severe type of angina called unstable angina. Another sign that you have unstable angina is when your pain keeps coming back and occurs even when you’re not exerting yourself.

Don’t wait for the next attack. If you experience chest pain that doesn’t resolve quickly or that returns after it resolves, head for the emergency room or call 911.

Do you have other symptoms, too?

Chest pain isn’t the only sign of a heart attack, particularly in women. If you have chest pain and also have one of these other symptoms that could also appear without chest pain, call 911 or get to the emergency room:

• Arm or shoulder pain
• Jaw or tooth pain
• Neck pain
• Pain in your upper abdomen
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or brain fog
• Cold sweats
• Racing heart
• Nausea
• Fatigue 
• Trouble swallowing

Don’t dismiss these other pains if they seem milder than your chest pain. And, again, if you have intense pains like those listed above and you don’t have chest pain, you could still be having a heart attack, especially if you’re a woman.

All chest pain means something’s not right

Whether it’s “just” heartburn, “just” a panic attack, or a full-blown heart attack, chest pain is a warning sign. Even if you don’t think that you have heart trouble, you should know what’s causing your chest pain and get it resolved.

Don’t worry about overreacting when it comes to angina: Your life could be at stake.

If you suspect your chest pain might be the sign of cardiovascular disease, contact Advanced Medical Care today. If you’re currently having chest pain, call 911.