When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, like millions of others, 56-year-old House Manager James took the opportunity to introduce some simple daily exercise into his busy work schedule. Little did he know that the changes would reveal a hidden heart condition, that would require a triple heart bypass to fix.
Angina
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Angina at HCA UK
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At HCA UK, you’ll be looked after in state-of-the-art facilities by a team of experts dedicated to your care. We treat more cardiac patients than any other UK private healthcare provider, with a 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery.
So, when 99% of our patients say they trust us, you can trust them.
Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain that is caused by your heart muscles not receiving enough oxygenated blood. The pain often feels like heaviness, tightness or pressure in the chest.
The chest pain occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries become narrowed. This narrowing is usually the result of a build-up of fatty deposits (called “plaques”) inside the artery. This narrowing of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, means that the heart muscle does not always receive the oxygen it needs, leading to angina. Angina symptoms can be brought on by different triggers, including physical activity and stress.
The chest pain occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries become narrowed. This narrowing is usually the result of a build-up of fatty deposits (called “plaques”) inside the artery. This narrowing of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, means that the heart muscle does not always receive the oxygen it needs, leading to angina. Angina symptoms can be brought on by different triggers, including physical activity and stress.
The most common symptom is chest pain, which varies from person to person. You may experience:
- Sharp, stabbing pains in the chest (more common in women than men)
- Discomfort, a burning sensation or pressure in the chest
- A feeling of fullness in the chest
- Chest pain that spreads to your arms, neck, jaw or back
- Chest pain triggered by exercise or exertion
Angina can also cause the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain (more common in women than men)
If you’re worried about your symptoms and think you may have angina, then it’s important to see a doctor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible. You can book same-day and next-day private GP appointments with us.
Angina isn’t a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying heart problem. It can be caused by conditions including aortic stenosis, anaemia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In the majority of cases, it is a symptom of coronary artery disease.
Although angina itself is not life-threatening, coronary artery disease is a serious condition that can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
If you’re worried about the health of your heart, we can help. Receiving the right treatment for angina symptoms can significantly relieve them, as well as help to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Get in touch now and you could be speaking to one of our expert consultants within 24 hours.
There are four types of angina:
Stable angina
This is the most common type of angina. It’s characterised by chest pain, which is caused by a trigger, such as stress or exercise, and usually lasts around five minutes. Most people find that the pain disappears after resting for a few minutes, or after taking angina treatment medication.
Unstable angina
As its name suggests, this is more serious than stable angina. Chest pain can be unpredictable and occur with no obvious trigger. It usually lasts longer, often up to 30 minutes. The pain may not respond to angina medication and may continue even after you have rested.
Microvascular angina
This is a rare type of angina that affects the tiny arteries in the heart, causing them to become blocked or go into spasms. Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain, which can be severe and last up to 30 minutes
- Pain that may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sleep problems, fatigue, or lack of energy
- Chest pain at times of stress, such as during exercise
- Symptoms similar to anxiety or panic attacks
Variant (Prinzmetal) angina
Variant angina, also known as vasospastic or Prinzmetal angina, is caused by sudden spasms in a coronary artery. In most cases, it flares up at times of rest rather than during periods of stress or exercise. Typically, attacks occur between midnight and 8am. Variant angina attacks can be triggered by:
- Cold weather
- Stress
- Medicines that constrict blood vessels, for example, certain migraine medicines
- Smoking
- Drug use
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Cardiac tests and scans at HCA UK
A diagnosis you can trust
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network, with the latest tests and imaging scans, and results delivered in as little as 48 hours.
With state-of-the-art facilities and some of the world’s leading specialists, we have expertise and experience you can trust. In just three years, we performed more than 75,000 electrocardiograms and 62,000 echocardiograms, giving people just like you peace of mind or a fast track to the treatment they need.
Cardiac treatments at HCA UK
Specialist treatment with excellent outcomes
At HCA UK, we see more cardiac patients than any other private healthcare provider. It’s this experience, coupled with our investment in state-of-the-art technology and innovative procedures, that has helped us to help thousands of patients just like you, with a 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery.
If you’re diagnosed with angina, there are several different treatment options available. These include:
- Medication and lifestyle changes
- Coronary angiogram and stent insertion
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
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Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Angina FAQs
Women with angina can often experience different symptoms to men. These can include:
- Chest pain (although this may not be the most prevalent symptom)
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Stabbing pains in the chest
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw or back
This could be because women are more likely to be diagnosed with microvascular angina or variant angina than men.
If you’re worried about your symptoms and think you may have angina, it’s important to see a doctor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible. You can book same-day and next-day private GP appointments with us.
Angina isn’t usually life threatening, but it can be a sign of a more serious heart condition in some people. You should speak to your doctor if you often experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in your chest
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that spreads to your arms, neck, jaw or back
If you’re diagnosed with angina, there’s no reason you can’t go on to lead a long and healthy life. You may need to make changes to your lifestyle and follow a course of treatment as recommended by your doctor.
At HCA UK, we offer a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation service that supports cardiac patients through their long-term recovery, promoting well-being through exercise, lifestyle management and education.
There is some evidence to suggest that atherosclerosis (a build-up of fats and cholesterol on and around the artery walls) can be hereditary. If you have a close relative with coronary artery disease, then you might also have a higher risk of developing angina and coronary artery disease.
However, there are several other factors which increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis, most of which are related to lifestyle.
If your angina isn’t too severe, then lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, may be sufficient to manage the condition. However, in more serious cases, medication and even surgery may be required.
Angina is often a warning sign that you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Although there’s no cure for coronary artery disease – of which angina can be a symptom – making the necessary changes to your lifestyle and receiving appropriate treatment can reduce the symptoms of angina and prevent the condition from getting any worse.
Angina is often a warning sign that you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Although there’s no cure for coronary artery disease – of which angina can be a symptom – making the necessary changes to your lifestyle and receiving appropriate treatment can reduce the symptoms of angina and prevent the condition from getting any worse.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.