Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. This is often a result of the narrowing of blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. The narrowing is usually caused by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease.

The pain of angina pain is often described as:

• Tightness or squeezing in the chest
• Heaviness or weight on the chest.
• Chest pain from angina can spread (radiate)
  • Down the left arm (most common site)
  • To the left shoulder
  • To the back
  • To the neck or lower jaw
  • Down the right arm

The pain of angina occurs during activities that make the heart work harder, such as:

• Any physical activity (climbing stairs, having sex, etc.)
• Eating a large meal
• Emotional stress
• Exposure to cold

Other symptoms of angina include shortness of breath, nausea, and a cold, sweaty feeling. Angina is often relieved by rest and medication.