Angina Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

Angina treatment relieves chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually from narrowed coronary arteries, and lowers heart attack risk. In Seomyeon, cardiology clinics assess stable angina with ECG, stress testing or coronary CT, then prescribe anti-anginal and preventive medicines, referring to hospitals for angiography and stents if needed. New, worsening or rest pain needs 119.

Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:

What is angina?

Angina (협심증) is chest discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, usually because plaque has narrowed one or more coronary arteries. It is often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing or heaviness rather than sharp pain, and may spread to the arms, neck, jaw or back. Stable angina follows a predictable pattern, typically with exertion, cold weather, heavy meals or emotional stress, and settles within minutes of rest.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

• Chest pressure when walking uphill, climbing stairs or hurrying, easing with rest
• Breathlessness or unusual fatigue on exertion, which may be the main symptom in some people
• Discomfort in the jaw, arm or upper back during exertion

Call 119 immediately if chest pain occurs at rest, lasts more than a few minutes, is new or rapidly worsening, does not settle with rest or nitroglycerin, or comes with sweating, nausea, breathlessness or fainting. These may signal unstable angina or a heart attack.

What happens at the clinic

1. History and risk factors: pattern of symptoms, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and family history.
2. ECG and blood tests: baseline tracing, cholesterol, sugar and kidney function.
3. Non-invasive testing: treadmill stress test, stress echocardiogram or coronary CT angiography to confirm coronary disease and its severity.
4. Medicines: nitroglycerin for attacks, anti-anginal medicines, plus aspirin or another antiplatelet and a statin to prevent heart attack.
5. Referral if needed: to a hospital for invasive coronary angiography, with stent placement or bypass surgery when appropriate.

Treatment outlook

Most people with stable angina can control symptoms and lower their risk substantially with medicines and lifestyle change. Stents or bypass surgery relieve symptoms when medicines are not enough or when narrowing is severe in critical locations. Stopping smoking, regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar are essential. Cardiac rehabilitation is valuable after procedures.

Risks and side effects

Nitroglycerin can cause headache and light-headedness; sit down when using it and never combine it with erectile dysfunction medicines such as sildenafil or tadalafil. Antiplatelets increase bleeding risk. Coronary angiography and stenting carry small procedural risks.

Choosing a clinic for angina care in Seomyeon

• Choose a cardiologist who can arrange stress testing and coronary CT promptly.
• Ask which hospital performs angiography if you need it, and how quickly.
• Ask for clear written instructions on using nitroglycerin.
• Confirm cholesterol and blood pressure targets are set and monitored.
• Ask about cardiac rehabilitation options in Busan.

Know your plan

Carry your nitroglycerin and a medicine list. If symptoms change, do not wait for your next appointment in Seomyeon; call 119 for any new or prolonged chest pain.

Key facts

• Stable angina: predictable discomfort on exertion, relieved by rest
• Unstable angina: new, worsening or rest pain; an emergency, call 119
• Tests: ECG, treadmill stress test, coronary CT angiography, echocardiogram
• Relief medicine: nitroglycerin under the tongue or spray
• Prevention: antiplatelet, statin, blood pressure control, beta-blockers or other anti-anginals
• Procedures: coronary angiography, stent or bypass (hospital-based)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?

Angina is temporary reduced blood flow that does not usually cause permanent damage and settles with rest. A heart attack is a blockage that damages heart muscle. Pain lasting more than a few minutes or at rest needs 119.

How do I use nitroglycerin?

Sit down, place a tablet under your tongue or use the spray as instructed. If pain persists after the first dose, call 119 as directed by your doctor. Never take it with erectile dysfunction medicines.

Will I need a stent for angina?

Not necessarily. Many people with stable angina are well managed with medicines. Stents are considered when symptoms persist despite treatment or tests show high-risk narrowing.

Can angina be cured?

The underlying coronary disease is long-term, but symptoms can often be well controlled and progression slowed with medicines, lifestyle changes and, when needed, procedures.

Is exercise safe with angina?

Regular, appropriate exercise is beneficial for most people with stable angina once evaluated. Your cardiologist will advise safe intensity, often through cardiac rehabilitation.

Related treatments in Seomyeon

• Chest Pain Evaluation in Seomyeon
• Treadmill Stress Test in Seomyeon
• Coronary CT Angiography in Seomyeon
• Lipid & Heart Risk Clinic in Seomyeon
• Smoking Cessation in Seomyeon
• All Cardiology in Seomyeon

Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.