Angina

Angina, or angina pectoris, refers to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is often the first sign of heart disease.

The heart is a muscle that gets blood from blood vessels called the coronary arteries. If one or more of your coronary arteries has a blockage that reduces blood flow to your heart from time to time, you may have angina.

Source of enlargement: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Narrowed and blocked arteries are usually due to a gradual buildup of fatty deposits called plaque inside the arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis.

People with angina usually feel discomfort (often a pressure-like pain) in or around the chest, shoulders, jaw, neck, back or arms. It may feel like a squeezing, pressing sensation in the chest. Angina pain is usually caused and made worse by exercise and eased by rest. The pain usually lasts 2-5 minutes. If you have this kind of chest pain, you should contact your health care provider. You can take medicine that will help your angina. If you suspect you might be having a heart attack (see warning signs below), call or have someone else call 9-1-1.

Not all chest discomfort is angina. For example, acid reflux (heartburn) and lung infection or inflammation can cause chest pain.

Here are some signs that your angina is very serious and you may be having a heart attack. If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately:

• Pain or discomfort that is very bad, gets worse, and lasts longer than 20 minutes.

• Pain or discomfort along with weakness, feeling sick to your stomach, sweating, or fainting.

• Pain or discomfort that does not go away when you take angina medicine.

• Pain or discomfort that is worse than you have ever had before.