Angina Chest Pain: New Device May Help Improve Blood Flow to the Heart

Anne Weishaar lived with daily chest pain for years after undergoing triple bypass heart surgery. The pain was caused by angina, a condition often linked to reduced blood flow to the heart and coronary artery disease. At times, the pain spread into her arms, shoulders and neck, forcing her to rely on nitroglycerin tablets just to get through the day. In this episode of All Things Heart, Anne shares what it was like to live with chronic angina and why she decided to take part in a clinical trial at The University of Kansas Health System. Her doctors explain what angina is, why it is not the same as a heart attack, and how a small hourglass-shaped device called a coronary sinus reducer may help improve blood flow to areas of the heart. They also discuss who may qualify for the clinical trial, how the device is implanted, possible risks and what this new approach could mean for patients still searching for relief. This is a hopeful look at innovation in heart care and a new option for people living with ongoing chest pain.