Angina is a prevalent heart condition, especially amongst the ageing population of the UK. It is however, challenging to identify.
Angina typically feels like a heaviness, dull ache, or tightness in the chest, but because angina symptoms often arise during exercise, stressful situations or after a large meal, and can be alleviated with rest, angina is often mistaken forsomething less serious. As a result, many don’t seek help until they have already lived with their condition for some time.
Angina is often a symptom of coronary heart disease.Therefore, it is important to go and see your GP, or book a consultation with a cardiologist in your area if you suspect you have symptoms.
Specialist angina diagnosis centres, such as ours have several diagnostic testsdesigned to identify angina. So if you think you might be suffering from angina, we can help put your mind at ease.
In this article, we’ll explain what we can do at our angina diagnosis centre to reach a conclusion.
When to seek diagnosis
If you’re unsure whether to seek a diagnosis, it’s essential to check whether you are experiencing classic angina symptoms. Angina symptoms often arise during exercise or high stress and feel like pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest.
Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
You may even experience neck, jaw, arm, shoulder and/or back pain.
There are multiple variants of angina. For many people, their symptoms can be alleviated by resting and relaxing. However, others may suffer episodes of chest pain while alreadyat rest.
Angina may also show different symptoms in women. For example, they may experience abdominal pain or feel a stabbing pain in their chest instead of pressure.
If you experience any of the symptoms above,visit an angina diagnosis centre like Venturi Cardiology as soon as possible.
How is angina diagnosed?
Angina diagnosis centres use several tests to diagnose angina and assess the risk of strokes and heart attacks, including the following:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG is a simple test that checks for the electrical signals produced by your heart when it is beating. The ECG records each heartbeat, and a doctor can look at the results to see if anything is unusual. ECGs require sensors to be attached to your skin.
Coronary angiography
A Coronary angiography involves taking an X-ray of the heart’s arteries to produce an image of the blood supplies to the heart. This can help doctor’s analyse if there are narrowed or blocked blood vessels that might be restricting the blood flow to your heart.
Blood tests
Testing a patient’s blood can reveal specific enzymes such as troponin. These are released into your blood after someone might have suffered severe angina or a heart attack. Furthermore, blood tests can reveal higher cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. These place patients at a higher risk of coronary artery disease and angina.
Visit an angina diagnosis centre in your region
If you have been experiencing symptoms of angina but are uncertain if you’re suffering from any heart condition, it’s always better to play it safe. See a cardiologist in your area to put your mind at ease or identify any risk factorsthat might require you to adjust your lifestyle in the future.
Our premises in Warringtonis a welcoming, comfortable clinic with great transport connections to the whole of the Northwest. Our cardiology tests take place on the day, and you’ll have the results to effectively diagnose angina during your visit. No long waiting times. We also help our patients choose next steps by planning the changes they may need to make to lessen their symptoms or seeking further medical treatment.
Take a step towards better heart health today and contact us to arrange an appointment.
