What is Angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain that can occur when the heart is not receiving enough blood flow. The pain is often described as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation. Angina is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Narrowing of the arteries can occur due to the following reasons:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Blood clot
• Unstable plaque in an artery

Angina is said to be stable if it does not change in severity. Common symptoms of stable angina include:

• Pain or discomfort occurs when exercising
• Pain or discomfort that only lasts for a few minutes
• The pain disappears with rest or medication

Unstable angina is a medical emergency and may be a warning sign of a heart attack.

• Pain or discomfort at rest
• Unexpected chest pain
• The pain may last longer than 30 minutes
• Pain is usually more severe than pain caused by stable angina

Coronary heart disease can often be prevented by eating a heart healthy diet, living an active lifestyle, and not smoking. Treating conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also help prevent angina and coronary artery disease.