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 exercise or physical activity, is called stable angina. Stable angina refers to angina that does not occur as part of a regular pattern of chest pain. Unstable angina can be new chest pain in people who have not experienced angina before, or chest pain that breaks the pattern of stable angina. Variant angina, or Prinzmetal's angina, is a rare type of angina that happens as a result of a coronary artery spasm.
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... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Angina (also called angina pectoris) is a recurring discomfort or pain in the chest that occurs when an inadequate supply of blood reaches the heart muscle. Angina is not a heart attack, though the symptoms are similar. It is a warning symptom of a more serious condition, usually coronary heart disease.
You can help prevent angina due to coronary artery disease by controlling your risk factors for atherosclerosis, especially high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
Doctors divide angina into two types (stable or unstable) based on the symptom pattern and predictability. When a patient experiences stable angina, the chest pain will usually adhere to a specific pattern. Typically, people experience stable angina after a time of extreme emotional stress, overexertion, alcohol consumption, smoking, exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures, or after eating a large meal. Symptoms usually disappear after a few minutes of rest. With unstable angina, the symptoms are less predictable and more serious. The discomfort and pain can last 20 minutes or more, even during sleep or at rest.
Angina is usually described as a pressing, burning or squeezing pain felt in the chest. Angina pain typically centers under the breastbone, but it may also spread to the throat, arms, jaws, between the shoulder blades or downward to the stomach. Other symptoms that may accompany angina include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sweating
Angina currently affects more than 10 million Americans, with 350,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Although it most commonly affects males who are middle-aged or older, it can occur in both sexes and all age groups.
Call 911 if you experience chest pain, even if there is no history of heart problems in your family and you believe that you are too young to have angina. Although an angina episode is not a heart attack, it does alert the doctor that a patient's heart muscle is starved for blood and oxygen. Early treatment to improve the heart's blood supply can avoid permanent, irreversible damage to the heart.
Angina (also called angina pectoris) is a recurring discomfort or pain in the chest that occurs when an inadequate supply of blood reaches the heart muscle. Angina is not a heart attack, though the symptoms are similar. It is a warning symptom of a... More -
Dr. Robert S Kaufmann answered:When your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can't reach your heart muscle. This can cause angina or a heart attack.
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when not enough oxygen-rich blood is flowing to an area of your heart muscle. Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also may occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to an area of your heart muscle is completely blocked. This prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching that area of heart muscle and causes it to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death.
This answer from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. Robert S. Kaufmann.When your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can't reach your heart muscle. This can cause angina or a heart attack. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when not enough oxygen-rich blood is flowing to an area of... More -
Discovery Health answered:When Coronary Artery Disease causes chest pain, it is called Angina Pectoris. As many as 6.2 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Angina. It?s usually described as heaviness, pressure, squeezing or aching in the front, central area of the chest. Angina pains sometimes radiate to the left shoulder or even down the left arm, back, neck or jaw. Only occasionally will angina pains radiate down the right arm.
Angina occurs with exertion and resolves with rest. Generally, it lasts only a few minutes. An onset can occur during a heavy meal, during cold weather or during increased emotional stress. Angina should not fell worse when you take deep breaths, bend over, press on the chest or twist in certain positions. Sometimes angina can be confused with indigestion.
A physical exam of someone with angina is often normal. Still, the signs of other diseases that are common risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease can be detected during the exam.
Laboratory tests will be abnormal during a heart attack, when heart muscle cells die. These tests will be normal during angina. The lack of oxygen to the cells during angina is temporary and cell death does not occur.
When Coronary Artery Disease causes chest pain, it is called Angina Pectoris. As many as 6.2 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Angina. It?s usually described as heaviness, pressure, squeezing or aching in the front,... More -
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Angina is the pain or discomfort associated with atherosclerosis, and is caused by clogged blood vessels that cannot deliver enough oxygen to the heart. People who have reasonably good heart function (no heart failure), but are not candidates for traditional surgical interventions such as angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery, and who still experience pain while taking medications for angina, are ideal candidates for transmyocardial revascularization (TMR).
Angina is the pain or discomfort associated with atherosclerosis, and is caused by clogged blood vessels that cannot deliver enough oxygen to the heart. People who have reasonably good heart function (no heart failure), but are not candidates for... More -
SCAI answered:Angina, or chest pain, strikes when the heart is not getting enough blood. You may feel pressure, tightness or a squeezing pain in your chest. You may also feel pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders, arms or back. Women are more likely than men to feel the pain in the arms or back or simply be short of breath. Usually, angina occurs during physical activity or stress, and goes away with rest.
Angina, or chest pain, strikes when the heart is not getting enough blood. You may feel pressure, tightness or a squeezing pain in your chest. You may also feel pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders, arms or back. Women are more likely than men to feel... More -
Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:A recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually in the chest under the breast bone, but sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws, or back. Angina is usually is brought on by exertion, and relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine.
This answer from the National Women's Health Information Center has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
A recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked... More -
Dr. Steven R Sigman of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Angina is a characteristic type of chest discomfort that emanates from the heart and is the result of insufficient circulation of blood to the heart muscle. A typical episode of angina generally has three components: The sensation of a dull, mild, or left sided chest pressure or tightness lasting several minutes, onset with exercise or emotional stress, and relief of symptoms with rest, nitroglycerin (a commonly used heart medicine), or removal from stressful situation. It is important to keep in mind that angina does not always have to be in the chest; it can occur in the shoulders, upper arms, neck, jaw, and back. It is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to arthrosclerosis. Patients experiencing these types of symptoms, especially for the first time, should notify their primary caregiver or go to the nearest emergency room.
Angina is a characteristic type of chest discomfort that emanates from the heart and is the result of insufficient circulation of blood to the heart muscle. A typical episode of angina generally has three components: The sensation of a dull,... More -
American Heart Association answered:Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs. Over time, the coronary arteries that supply blood to your heart can become clogged from a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. This buildup is called plaque. If one or more arteries are partly clogged, not enough blood can flow through, and you can feel chest pain or discomfort. Angina is common. Over 10 million people in the United States have it. While the pain of angina may come and go, it’s a sign of heart disease and can be treated. Lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures, and surgery can help reduce angina.Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs. Over time, the coronary arteries that supply blood to your heart can become clogged from a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other... More -
Dr. Ketan N Desai of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Angina is the medical term used to describe the pain or discomfort that is felt within the chest when a part of the heart does not receive enough blood flow. As an analogy, if you were to put a rubber band tightly over your finger, you will quickly see your fingertip turning blue and start hurting. This is because you have effectively stopped blood flow towards your fingertip. Similarly, if you have a blockage within the blood vessel that supplies blood flow to your heart, you will experience "heart pain" which is termed angina. Just like taking off the rubber band off of your finger would restore blood flow to your fingertip and relieve the discomfort, similarly opening up the blockage in the vessel to your heart will relieve the heart pain, or angina.
Angina can be categorized as stable vs unstable angina. Stable angina occurs when there is a severe but not complete blockage in the blood vessel, such that when you exert yourself, you develop the pain because your heart demands more blood flow as it works harder but cannot receive it because of the blockage. These kinds of blockages tend to develop over a long period of time with slow gradual narrowing of the vessel. This is different from unstable angina, whereby there is a more sudden development of a blockage typically as a result of a blood clot that forms within the vessel and stops up the blood flow.
Angina is the medical term used to describe the pain or discomfort that is felt within the chest when a part of the heart does not receive enough blood flow. As an analogy, if you were to put a rubber band tightly over your finger, you will quickly... More -
Eric Olsen answered:Angina pectoris or chest pain occurs when the heart's need for oxygen increases beyond the ability of clogged arteries to supply it. Any demand on the heart can bring on angina; increased exertion, for example, or even a strong emotion. The pain is a dull, crushing sensation, usually, that may extend into the shoulder or arm, often on the left side. The pain is the heart's warning that it's not getting what it needs.
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Angina pectoris or chest pain occurs when the heart's need for oxygen increases beyond the ability of clogged arteries to supply it. Any demand on the heart can bring on angina; increased exertion, for example, or even a strong emotion. The... More -
Healthwise answered:Angina is a symptom of heart disease. Angina happens when there is not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. This is often a result of narrowed blood vessels, usually caused by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
The most common symptom of angina is chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest. Some people feel pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
Other symptoms of angina include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness or sudden weakness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Angina can be stable or unstable. Stable angina happens at fairly predictable times, usually with activity or exertion. It also may occur during exposure to cold or times of emotional stress. Stable angina can be relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Unstable angina is a change in your usual pattern of stable angina. Unstable angina is a warning sign that a heart attack may soon occur.
If you have angina, pay attention to your symptoms, know what is typical for you, learn how to control it, and understand when you need to get treatment.
Angina is a symptom of heart disease. Angina happens when there is not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. This is often a result of narrowed blood vessels, usually caused by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The most common symptom of... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Angina is chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina was rare until about 60 years ago, when changes in our diet and lifestyle started to catch up with us and cause the arteries (pipes carrying blood) that feed the heart muscle itself to start blocking up. These blockages cause heart attacks and angina. When they block the arteries going to the brain they can cause a stroke. These problems are now the most common cause of death in the U.S. and Europe.Angina is chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina was rare until about 60 years ago, when changes in our diet and lifestyle started to catch up with us and cause the arteries (pipes carrying blood) that feed the... More -
Angina, a symptom of CAD (coronary artery disease), is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest. The pain may also occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back, and it may feel like indigestion.
It is a subcategory of CAD. There are two forms of angina: stable or unstable. Stable angina happens during physical activity or under mental or emotional stress. Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs even while at rest, without apparent reason. This type of angina is a medical emergency.
The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.Angina, a symptom of CAD (coronary artery disease), is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest. The pain may also occur in the... More -
Angina pectoris is a discomfort experienced when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient blood supply. It may consist of heaviness in the chest, a burning sensation or discomfort in the left arm, and in some cases, a pain in the left jaw.
Angina pectoris is a discomfort experienced when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient blood supply. It may consist of heaviness in the chest, a burning sensation or discomfort in the left arm, and in some cases, a pain in the left jaw. More -
HealthyWomen answered:If clogged arteries prevent enough oxygen-carrying blood from reaching your heart, the heart may respond with pain called angina pectoris. Episodes of angina occur when the heart's need for oxygen increases beyond the oxygen available from the blood nourishing the heart. Silent angina occurs when the same inadequate blood supply causes no symptoms. Microvascular angina occurs when the small vessels feeding the heart muscle are not functioning properly, most often due to fluctuations in vessel wall narrowing, in the absence of significant blockages in the major heart arteries.
Physical exertion is the most common trigger for angina. Other triggers can be emotional stress, extreme cold or heat, heavy meals, alcohol and cigarette smoking. The pain is a pressing or squeezing pain, usually felt in the chest or sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws or back.
If clogged arteries prevent enough oxygen-carrying blood from reaching your heart, the heart may respond with pain called angina pectoris. Episodes of angina occur when the heart's need for oxygen increases beyond the oxygen available from... More -
Dr. Anthony Komaroff answered:Angina is the most common symptom of heart disease. It is pain in the chest that's often described as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or tightness. Angina occurs when plaque in the coronary arteries partially blocks blood flow and the heart muscle isn't getting enough blood.
Some people complain of a burning or aching sensation; relatively few describe the pain as sharp or stabbing. The discomfort often spreads to the shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw, and is often accompanied by shortness of breath or sweating. Pain that is very short-lived or is limited to a small area (a couple of inches) is probably not from the heart.
Angina often occurs in response to a number of everyday stressors, both physical and emotional. Angina that lasts just a few minutes and goes away quickly when you rest or take medication is considered stable angina. A more serious form, unstable angina, builds in intensity, lasts several minutes to hours, and doesn't subside with rest.Angina is the most common symptom of heart disease. It is pain in the chest that's often described as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or tightness. Angina occurs when plaque in the coronary arteries partially blocks blood flow and the... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Angina, also called angina pectoris, is the discomfort or pain that occurs when a narrowed coronary artery decreases the blood supply to your heart muscle. People describe angina as discomfort, tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest, back, neck, shoulders, arms (especially the left arm), or jaw. These symptoms most often happen with increased activity or emotional stress. Angina is a sign that your heart muscle isn't getting the oxygen it needs. It doesn't cause permanent damage to your heart -- but it can be a warning of a heart attack. So even though some people experience angina for many years without ever having a heart attack, you should still take angina pain seriously.Angina, also called angina pectoris, is the discomfort or pain that occurs when a narrowed coronary artery decreases the blood supply to your heart muscle. People describe angina as discomfort, tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest, back, neck,... More -
Scripps Health answered:Angina develops when plaque builds up in arteries in the heart, which slows blood flow and deprives the heart of oxygen-rich blood.
Angina develops when plaque builds up in arteries in the heart, which slows blood flow and deprives the heart of oxygen-rich blood. More -
Society of Interventional Radiology answered:Angina is a term in cardiology that means chest pain. Angina is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. This can be due to narrowing or atherosclerosis and obstruction of arteries to the heart.Angina is a term in cardiology that means chest pain. Angina is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. This can be due to narrowing or atherosclerosis and obstruction of arteries to the heart. More
