Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a type of chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease, where the coronary arteries are narrowed or partly blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)
. Angina is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest, sometimes feeling like a heavy weight lying on the chest. The pain may also spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or shoulders. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, sweating, and lightheadedness
. There are several types of angina:
- Stable angina: The most common form, triggered by physical exertion or stress, and typically relieved by rest or medication. It is predictable and usually lasts five minutes or less
- Unstable angina: More severe and unpredictable, it can occur at rest, last longer, and may not improve with rest or medication. This type is a medical emergency as it may signal an impending heart attack
- Vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina: Caused by spasms in the coronary arteries, often occurring at rest or at night, temporarily reducing blood flow
- Microvascular angina: Related to spasms in the small coronary arteries, often triggered by physical or emotional stress
Angina itself does not usually cause permanent damage but signals an underlying heart problem that requires medical attention and management through lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures
. In summary, angina is a symptom of heart disease characterized by chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to the heart, with several types varying in severity and triggers
