Definition:

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Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when there is too little blood flow to your heart. This type of chest pain is often described as tightness, heavy pressure, squeezing or crushing pain that lasts 1 to 15 minutes. It will often spread to your shoulder, jaw, neck or back.

Angina is usually caused by heart disease. A fatty substance called plaque can build up in your heart arteries over time which causes your blood flow to be reduced to your heart. When you exercise and are active your heart requires more blood flow. If your arteries are narrowed because of the plaque the blood flow is reduced and the pain occurs.

Risk Factors for angina:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease

Treatment:

It is very important to inform your physician if you have chest discomfort. Waiting too long to seek medical help may cause you to have a heart attack. The chest pain you experience acts as a warning sign to let you know something is not right with your heart.

There are many tests that can be done to rule out angina. Your doctor may recommend several tests. Medications can also play an important role in treating angina. Ignoring the chest pain may have serious consequences or be life threatening.