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 are associated symptoms of angina?
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While pain and discomfort are the main angina symptoms, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, sweating, light-headedness, or weakness also may occur. If you have chest pain, your doctor will want to find out... Full Answer
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- Q Can I have sex if I have angina?
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Dr. Jan Shifren, Obstetrics & GynecologyChronic stable angina should not be a barrier to sex if you're accustomed to doing other things that require the same level of exertion. Some cautions apply, though. You cannot use Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis if you're taking a medication that... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for angina?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyLack of exercise and an unhealthy diet are two factors you can control that contribute to the development of angina, the squeezing chest pain. In this video, Dr. Oz explains these risk factors. Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of unstable angina?
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The main symptom of unstable angina is sudden or unusual chest pain or pressure. In people who have a pattern of stable angina, any pain that varies from the pattern is unstable angina. The pain often continues for a longer time than that of stable... Full Answer
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- Q What is unstable angina?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyUnlike stable angina, the squeezing chest pain known as unstable angina happens at rest, lasts for more than 30 minutes, and can be life-threatening. In this video, Dr. Oz talks about why angina occurs and the important differences between the two types.... Full Answer
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- Q What is angina and how is it different from a heart attack?
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Angina is chest pain that occurs if an area of your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a blockage in an artery that supplies oxygen to the heart muscle,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of having angina?
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Angina can have serious risks. If you do not get treatment, your angina may become worse. You may have a heart attack or even die. Following your doctor's advice decreases these risks. With treatment, you may decrease your pain and have a more normal... Full Answer
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- Q When should I seek immediate help if I have angina?
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If you have angina, never drive a vehicle when you are having chest pain! If you have any of the following symptoms, immediately call an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Rescue workers can treat you on the way to the hospital. This may... Full Answer
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- Q How does angina affect men and women differently?
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Men become at greater risk of angina at a younger age than women. Angina usually occurs in men over 45 and women over 55. In addition, the pain of angina may be much different in women than it is in men. Women may feel the pain as a burning or sharp pain... Full Answer
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- Q Does angina affect children differently than adults?
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Angina usually occurs in men over 45 and women over 55. It is very unlikely to affect a child. Full Answer
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