Angina

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. As a result, your heart may beat faster and harder to gain more blood, causing you noticeable pain. Angina isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom and a warning sign of heart disease.

About 10 million people in the U.S. experience angina. So, if you have this symptom, you’re certainly not alone. It’s important to learn more about angina, what causes it and how to manage it in your daily life.

Important: Angina can be a warning sign of a heart attack. If you have unexpected or severe chest pain, call 911 right away.

What does angina feel like?

Most people with angina describe having chest pain or pressure. Or they describe a squeezing sensation or a tightness in their chest. Some people say it feels like indigestion. Others say it’s hard to describe angina with words.

The discomfort usually begins behind your breastbone. Sometimes, you may not be able to locate exactly where the pain is coming from.

Pain/discomfort you feel in your chest may spread to other parts of your upper body. These include your neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, back or belly.

Lack of oxygen to your heart can cause other symptoms, known as “angina equivalents.” These are symptoms that you don’t feel in your chest, including:

• Fatigue.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sweating a lot.

What are the different types of angina?

There are four main types of angina:

• Stable angina.
• Unstable angina.
• Microvascular angina.
• Prinzmetal (variant) angina.

What is angina pectoris?

Angina pectoris is another name for stable angina. It refers to brief chest pain or discomfort that comes and goes in predictable patterns.

How is angina different from a heart attack?

Both angina and a heart attack are consequences of coronary artery disease. But angina doesn’t cause permanent damage to your heart. A heart attack does. That’s because angina signals a temporary reduction in blood flow to your heart. A heart attack causes a longer reduction in blood flow. During that time, part of your heart muscle begins to die.

Another key difference is what makes the pain go away. Rest or medication (nitroglycerin) causes stable angina to go away within a few minutes. However, if you’re having a heart attack, rest or medication won’t ease your symptoms.

Stable angina doesn’t require emergency care unless your pain suddenly gets worse or doesn’t go away with rest or medication. A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate medical attention. There’s nothing you can do on your own to make it better.

That’s why it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider about your angina and learn what’s “normal” for you. Ask your provider what’s out of the ordinary for you and when you should call 911.