If you're suffering from angina, you may wonder what it could signify and if it could have anything to do with coronary artery disease (CAD). At NOVA Cardiovascular Care, serving Woodbridge and Stafford, VA, and the nearby region, Dr. Kambiz Yazdani, Dr. Mohammad Ghazvini, Dr. Seyi Bolorunduro, and Dr. Vikaas Kataria handle both issues. So, let's discuss the overlap.

Definition of Angina

 Angina describes pain from a decrease in blood flow to the heart. Rather than being a condition itself, it's a symptom of other conditions. 

Rather than a shooting pain, angina is usually a squeezing or tight feeling. Some people describe it as pressure or heaviness on the chest, almost like something is on top of their chest.

You could have stable angina, which occurs when you're physically exerting yourself, and it'll stop when you're at rest. It can also be controlled by medication.

On the contrary, you could develop unstable angina, which happens randomly, possibly when you're at rest. It tends to last longer and won't respond to a usual medication or changing activity level.

Angina's Relationship with Coronary Artery Disease

Angina is often associated with CAD. When you have CAD, a condition that causes reduced blood flow to the heart because of the coronary arteries, you may develop angina. One of the primary causes is atherosclerosis — a buildup of fats or cholesterol in the arterial walls. High blood pressure could also damage the arterial walls, which could either make you more prone to developing atherosclerosis or worsen an existing case.

When you have CAD, your blood doesn't flow to the heart as well as it should. Your heart then doesn't receive all the oxygen it needs. As a result, metabolic byproducts, such as lactic acid, build up and irritate the heart's nerve endings, leading to angina.

In the less advanced stages, angina from CAD is stable. However, in the more severe cases, the angina may be unstable, which means you may have near complete or complete blockage of the coronary arteries and require immediate medical attention.

Visiting Us for Angina

 We recommend scheduling a visit at our office, serving Woodbridge and Stafford, VA, and the general vicinity, if you have chest pain. We can assess you for CAD and possibly prevent a heart attack in the future. 

An appointment with Dr. Yazdani, Dr. Ghazvini, Dr. Bolorunduro, or Dr. Kataria of NOVA Cardiovascular Care, serving Woodbridge and Stafford, VA, and the neighboring communities, for angina could mean catching CAD and preventing it from worsening. We can also ease your discomfort in the process.

Call us today for an appointment at:

Woodbridge - 703-492-6822

Stafford - 540-628-2173