Chest Pain Specialist

Premier Cardiac and Vascular Our Services Chest Pain

Premier Cardiac and Vascular

Cardiologists located in Annandale, VA & Fredericksburg, VA

Heart disease can present itself to you in various ways, including the onset of chest pain due to reduced flow of blood to your heart, which is referred to as angina. Cardiology specialists Anita Banerjee, MD, FACC and Ashok Talreja, MD, FACC, FHRS, at Premier Cardiac and Vascular in Fredericksburg, Virginia, can diagnose and treat angina to improve heart health and reduce your risk of more serious complications. Call the office today or request an appointment online.

Chest Pain Q & A

What is angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain that develops when there’s a reduced flow of blood to your heart. It’s most often a symptom of a more serious underlying cardiac issue, such as coronary artery disease.  

Angina is common, but it can be difficult to differentiate from other types of chest pain. If you’re experiencing chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation. 

What are the different types of angina?

Angina can be triggered by various causes. The type of angina you have may reflect what may trigger your chest pain. The types of angina include:

Stable angina

If you experience chest pain during physical activity, such as walking up the stairs, then you may have stable angina.

Unstable angina

Unstable angina develops when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to your heart. With this type of angina, the pain doesn’t improve with rest.

Prinzmetal’s angina

A spasm in your coronary artery may lead to Prinzmetal’s angina. This type of angina may be brought on by emotional stress and may be relieved once your stress resolves.

Knowing the type of angina you have helps Dr. Banerjee direct her treatment.

What are the symptoms of angina?

The type of symptoms you experience with angina varies depending on the type you have.

Common angina symptoms include:

  • Chest pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating and dizziness

Women often experience different symptoms with angina, such as feelings of fatigue or sleepiness. Because of these differences, women often delay treatment.

How is angina diagnosed?

To determine the underlying cause of your chest pain, Dr. Banerjee conducts a comprehensive examination when you come in for care. In addition to reviewing your medical history and symptoms, she also conducts a physical and may request special testing such as an echocardiogram or a stress test.

What is the treatment for angina?

Dr. Banerjee develops a personalized treatment plan for the management of your angina. She may initially recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce your pain and improve your heart health, such as:

  • Diet modification
  • Weight loss
  • Smoking cessation
  • Activity modification

She may also prescribe medications to help relax your blood vessels or thin out your blood to improve blood flow.

Angina is a symptom of an underlying cardiac issue. For expert management of your heart health, call Premier Cardiac and Vascular today or book an appointment online.

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