Angina
Just a fancy name for chest pain or discomfort, angina often points to an underlying heart problem.
Although you may experience pressure or a squeezing sensation in your chest, the feeling may also occur in your neck, jaw, shoulders, back or arms. These symptoms warn doctors that you may have coronary heart disease, the most common form of heart disease in adults.
(The fatty material that causes heart disease restricts the arteries; this restriction causes a reduction of oxygenated blood to the heart muscles, leading to chest pain.)
Not all chest pain is caused by heart problems. Angina can result from a lung infection, panic attack or even a blockage in an artery of the lung, called pulmonary embolism.
Always see a doctor so he or she can determine why you are having chest pain.
Recently Answered
- Q What is angina?
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Angina refers to chest pain produced when blood flow to the heart is low. When blood flow is low, the heart gets an inadequate amount of oxygen. This causes feelings ranging from pressure to pain. Angina that occurs on a regular basis, usually related to... Full Answer
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- Q Can microvascular angina be prevented?
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Prevention of microvascular angina is linked to controlling the major risk factors of heart disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are major risk indicators of heart disease, so there are a variety of things you may do to reduce... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of angina?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyDr. Oz talk about the signs and symptoms of angina, including where on the body one might experience pain, in this informative video. Full Answer
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- Q Can unstable angina be prevented?
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You are in control of many of the factors that increase your risk of coronary artery disease and angina. Reducing or eliminating these risk factors can help prevent simple angina. Since smoking and obesity both increase your risk of angina, quitting... Full Answer
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- Q How is angina diagnosed?
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Doctors use a combination of exam, medical history, and testing to diagnose stable angina. A diagnosis of stable angina often begins with a physical exam and a discussion of your medical history and symptoms. Then, one or more tests may be used for... Full Answer
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- Q What causes angina?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe squeezing chest pain known as angina occurs when the heart does not get enough blood supplying oxygen and nutrients. Watch as Dr. Oz explains how angina develops. Full Answer
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- Q What does angina feel like?
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Angina usually lasts for just a few minutes. Here’s how people say it feels: Chest feels tight or heavy. Feel short of breath (or hard to breathe). Pressure, squeezing or burning in chest. Discomfort may spread to arm, back, neck, jaw, or... Full Answer
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- Q What tests might I have to determine if I have angina?
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Blood tests Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) Exercise stress test Cardiac catheterization Coronary angiogram Full Answer
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- Q When will I get angina?
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You may get angina when you... Climb stairs or carry groceries Feel angry or upset Work in very hot or cold weather Eat too much at one time Have sex Have emotional stress Exercise Full Answer
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- Q What is a silent angina attack?
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A special problem happens when coronary heart disease is present but does not cause any chest discomfort at all. These "silent" attacks can be as serious and dangerous as those with chest discomfort even though there are no special warning signs. In... Full Answer
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