How can symptoms of cardiac causes of chest pain be distinguished from other such as gastrointestinal causes or panic attacks?

Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer describes symptoms patient may experience associated with angina.

Here, Dr Nijjer discusses the role of rapid chest pain clinics in investigating and treating people who develop chest pain suspicious of a cardiac illness.

Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer explains the difference between three often confused terms: heart disease, heart attack and heart failure.

Dr Sukhjinder Nijjer explains why angina, a common symptom of heart disease, occurs.

Dr Nijjer talks about PCI / Angioplasty for patients with angina and for those having a heart attack. Patients with stable angina are typically managed with medications initially and may undergo investigations to look for ischaemia (a lack of blood supply). If there is evidence of ischaemia or a significant burden of heart artery disease then performing a coronary angiogram can help identify the cause. In the modern era, we may perform a measurement of blood flow using a pressure wire. If this shows reduced blood flow, then coronary angioplasty with stenting (known as PCI) can be appropriate.

Dr. Nijjer discusses in general terms the reason why a patient may decide to have a percutaneous intervention (PCI) or open coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. The decision for either treatment option is complex and can involve many factors. Patient factors such as the presence of diabetes or prior stroke or heart damage can be important. Technical factors involving the number of stents needed or the complexity of the procedure are also important. Finally, the decision can be shared between the patient, the Cardiologist and the Cardiothoracic Surgeons.