What can cause an angina attack?

Question:

Hi, I am a 32 f, caucasion,that suffered an angina attack. A week before I was experiencing tightness in my chest and was put on a holter monitor. A week later I had an attack that made me call 911. I had severe pain in my chest that radiated down my leftarm into my lefthand. I was in the hospital overnight and all my tests came back fine. I do not have heart disease. However the hospital doctor said it could have webbed up quickly and thats why it didn't show in my blood. Do you think I had a heart attack or close to it. I was very, very tired after it happened. I am just trying to figure out what could have caused it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. If you've had a heart attack please give me some input. I am also diabetic but I do not take avandia. Thanks

Answers:
Many things can cause angina- caffiene, cold beverages, increased activity, any stimulants, etc. Angina is caused from the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen is temporary and does not cause heart muscle death, which is a heart attack. It does cause pain like a heart attack. When you exert, your body demands more oxygen, and when stimulants or cold beverages are consumed, they cause the vessels to get smaller, allowing less blood to flow to the heart. If there are some blockages in the vessels, it too can cause a heart's demand for oxygen not to be met. I doubt that you had any heart attack. Tipically, an EKG will show some changes that will indicate a heart attack- if that was ok along with your cardiac enzymes then I would say that you are in the clear. Keep in mind that you are at an increased risk because you are diabetic

Hello,
You are at greater risk because of your diabetes for MI.
Angina can be caused by emotional stress as well as physical exertion thus causing the heart muscle not to receive adequate blood flow. Since your cardiac studied were normal you can rest a little easier . It is possible to have an MI at your age , add up your cardiac risk factors such as family history who had MI and at what age. Then add your risk factors diabetes , are you overweight do you smoke, do you exercise.
If your pain is persist you need to ask further testing such as stress test or even a new cat scan that is specifically geared to the heart and is now being used in place of cardiac catherterizations takes about 15 minutes to do.
Do you have panic attacks? these can cause chest tightness and sob.
Please remember that what we tell you is only general information, please seek advice from a cardiologist and don't be afraid to ask questions or insist on further testing.

Best of luck

What can cause an angina attack?

Health Resources