Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, usually because of coronary artery disease. It is a symptom, not a disease by itself, and it often appears with physical exertion or emotional stress.
Scientific overview
Angina happens when the heart’s oxygen demand exceeds its supply, producing a temporary ischemic state in the myocardium. The discomfort is often described as pressure, squeezing, heaviness, tightness, or burning in the chest, and it may spread to the arm, jaw, neck, shoulder, back, or upper stomach.
There are several forms, including stable angina, unstable angina, and variant angina. Stable angina usually follows a predictable pattern and improves with rest, while unstable angina is more dangerous because it can happen at rest or become more frequent and severe.
Causes and risk
The main cause is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which limits oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, inactivity, older age, and a family history of heart disease.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and pain radiating to other areas such as the jaw or left arm. Symptoms usually last a few minutes and often improve with rest or nitroglycerin in stable cases.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and tests such as ECG, stress testing, blood tests, echocardiography, or coronary imaging when needed. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, anti-anginal medicines, antiplatelet therapy, statins, and procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery for significant coronary disease.
Why it matters
Angina is important because it can be an early warning sign of coronary artery disease and an increased risk of heart attack. New, worsening, or resting chest pain should be treated as urgent medical concern.