Coronary artery disease and angina
The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart muscle. Over years, fatty plaque can build up inside them and narrow the channel. When the heart works harder, a narrowed artery may not deliver enough blood, which can cause angina: a heaviness, tightness or discomfort in the chest, arm, neck or jaw.
1What you might notice
- Chest discomfort, tightness or pressure with exertion that eases with rest
- Breathlessness when walking up hills or stairs
- Discomfort spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back
- Unusual tiredness with activity, especially in women and people with diabetes
Chest pain at rest, or chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes, needs an ambulance. Call 000.
2Tests that help
- ECG
A baseline recording of the heart’s rhythm and electrical pattern.
- CT coronary angiogram
A detailed scan that shows plaque and narrowing in the arteries.
- Stress echocardiogram
Shows whether part of the heart muscle is short of blood during exercise.
- Coronary angiogram
The definitive test when a significant narrowing is suspected.
3Treatment options
- Medicines and risk-factor care
Tablets to relieve angina, protect the arteries and lower cholesterol and blood pressure, together with exercise, diet and stopping smoking.
- Coronary stenting (PCI)
Opening a narrowed artery with a balloon and a stent through a small tube in the wrist, usually guided by imaging and pressure measurements inside the artery.
- Bypass surgery
For some patterns of disease, referral to a cardiac surgeon is the better option. This is discussed openly with you and your GP.
Seeing Dr Ramzy about this
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr John Ramzy, then request an appointment at Heidelberg, Knox or by telehealth. All new referrals are offered an appointment within two weeks, usually sooner.