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What is Angina?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a painful but temporary heart condition caused primarily by constriction of veins and arteries. Once these blood vessels become tight, the heart's oxygen supply is reduced and the result is pain in the chest, jaw, neck, throat or arms. The pain usually subsides once the blood flow is restored. In essence, this condition is the cardiac equivalent of a headache.

The most common cause of symptoms is a condition called arteriosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries. As veins and arteries age, they lose much of their elasticity. When the heart rate increases, as it does during exercise, the oxygenated blood must pass through very narrow blood vessels. The heart receives less of this blood, causing it to feel deprived. The resultant spasming of the heart muscle can cause other muscles and nerves to react in sympathy. Many people feel a tightening sensation in the chest and a temporary anxiety until the pain subsides.

Angina is caused by constriction of veins and arteries.
Angina is caused by constriction of veins and arteries.

Angina pectoris is not to be confused with a full-blown heart attack, although they share some common symptoms. Most cases are triggered by a definite, stressful event such as overexertion or emotional agitation or exercise. There is a form of angina that can occur without warning, however, but it generally happens during overnight hours. The condition can be a symptom of a more serious cardiac condition, but it usually resolves within a few hours by itself. A heart attack is usually characterized by a heavier and duller pain in the chest, compared to the feelings of pressure in the sternum caused by angina.

Angina may be triggered by emotional agitation.
Angina may be triggered by emotional agitation.

Treatment is generally aspirin or groups of drugs known as vasodilators, familiar to those with asthma. Physicians can order a series of stress tests conducted on a treadmill with an ECG machine. Frequent flare-ups can be a sign of more serious cardiac problems, but many sufferers can keep it under control through lifestyle changes and medication. A doctor may recommend patients lose weight, quit smoking and avoid foods with high cholesterol. High blood pressure can also contribute to chronic angina, so many sufferers are urged to take blood pressure medications and find ways to avoid or relieve stress.

Doctors may order a series of stress tests conducted on a treadmill to diagnose angina.
Doctors may order a series of stress tests conducted on a treadmill to diagnose angina.

This article is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. If you experience severe chest pains, consult a doctor immediately for further instructions. The difference between indigestion, angina and a true heart attack cannot be self-diagnosed accurately.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon18875

A friend of mine suffers from pain in her side and now that has calmed and pain has surfaced in her chest and arm. All tests were performed and all came back normal. What do you think this could be and what form of action should my friend seek?

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    • Angina is caused by constriction of veins and arteries.
      By: stockshoppe
      Angina is caused by constriction of veins and arteries.
    • Angina may be triggered by emotional agitation.
      By: bukovski
      Angina may be triggered by emotional agitation.
    • Doctors may order a series of stress tests conducted on a treadmill to diagnose angina.
      By: Monkey Business
      Doctors may order a series of stress tests conducted on a treadmill to diagnose angina.
    • Patients with angina may be advised to quit smoking.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Patients with angina may be advised to quit smoking.
    • High blood pressure may cause angina.
      By: Monkey Business
      High blood pressure may cause angina.
    • Patients with angina may be advised to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol.
      By: ramzi hachicho
      Patients with angina may be advised to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol.
    • Aspirin is used to treat angina.
      By: blueskies9
      Aspirin is used to treat angina.
    • An inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle may cause angina.
      By: nebari
      An inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle may cause angina.
    • Angina patients should avoid eating greasy food.
      By: stocksolutions
      Angina patients should avoid eating greasy food.