The Heart needs Oxygen! Angina is the body's way of signaling that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen during physical activity. While this may sound similar to a heart attack, angina itself is not a heart attack. However, because angina has the same cause as a heart attack (artery blockage), it may be a warning sign of a future heart attack. Angina attacks may occur frequently during a 24-hour period or may be erratic, occurring every few days, weeks or even months. An angina diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, electrocardiograms (EKG) and the trial usage of nitroglycerine. A chest x-ray can rule out other possible causes for your pain; an EKG and stress test can evaluate how your heart functions at rest and during exercise; and blood tests can check the levels of fat and cholesterol in your blood.

If you or your family members have any questions about chest pain symptoms, please feel free to contact your Ohio Valley HeartCare cardiologist or medical specialist at (800) 26-HEART.

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