What is angina pectoris?
Angina pectoris, often called angina, is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, it can create pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest.
Angina is not a disease itself. It is usually a warning sign of an underlying heart condition, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD).
Angina is most often caused by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that limit blood flow to the heart. Other causes may include coronary artery spasms or problems affecting the heart’s smaller blood vessels.
Several factors can increase the risk of angina, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Family history of heart disease
Symptoms
Angina symptoms can happen during physical activity, emotional stress, or other situations that make the heart work harder. Symptoms may last for a few minutes and often improve with rest or medication.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pressure, squeezing, or heaviness
- Pain that spreads to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Nausea or sweating in some people
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and when the discomfort occurs. A physical exam can help identify signs of heart disease or circulation problems.
Testing may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Stress testing
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary CT scan
- Cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography
- Blood tests to evaluate heart function
These tests help determine how well blood is flowing to the heart and whether blocked arteries are present.
How is it treated?
Treatment for angina focuses on improving blood flow to the heart, reducing symptoms, and lowering the risk of heart attack.
Many people benefit from lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Staying physically active
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Medications are commonly used to help control symptoms and protect the heart. These may include nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
If coronary artery disease is severe, advanced treatments such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be recommended.
With proper treatment and ongoing care, many people are able to manage angina and continue normal daily activities.
