Overview
Angina a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease.
Angina is also called angina pectoris. Angina pain is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy weight lying on the chest. Angina may be a new pain that needs to be checked by a health care provider, or recurring pain that goes away with treatment.
Although angina is relatively common, it can still be hard to distinguish from other types of chest pain, such as the discomfort of indigestion. If you have unexplained chest pain, seek medical help right away.
Types
There are different types of angina. The type depends on the cause and whether rest or medication relieve symptoms.
1.Stable angina. Stable angina is the most common form of angina. It usually happens during activity (exertion) and goes away with rest or angina medication. For example, pain that comes on when you’re walking uphill or in the cold weather may be angina. Stable angina pain is predictable and usually similar to previous episodes of chest pain. The chest pain typically lasts a short time, perhaps five minutes or less.
2.Unstable angina (a medical emergency). Unstable angina is unpredictable and occurs at rest. Or the angina pain is worsening and occurs with less physical effort. It’s typically severe and lasts longer than stable angina, maybe 20 minutes or longer. The pain doesn’t go away with rest or the usual angina medications. If the blood flow doesn’t improve, the heart is starved of oxygen and a heart attack occurs. Unstable angina is dangerous and requires emergency treatment.
3.Variant angina (Prinzmetal angina). Variant angina, also called Prinzmetal angina, isn’t due to coronary artery disease. It’s caused by a spasm in the heart’s arteries that temporarily reduces blood flow. Severe chest pain is the main symptom of variant angina. It most often occurs in cycles, typically at rest and overnight. The pain may be relieved by angina medication.
4.Refractory angina. Angina episodes are frequent despite a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
Angina symptoms include chest pain and discomfort. The chest pain or discomfort may feel like:
- Burning
- Fullness
- Pressure
- Squeezing
Pain may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back.
Other symptoms of angina include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
The severity, duration and type of angina can vary. New or different symptoms may signal a more dangerous form of angina (unstable angina) or a heart attack. Any new or worsening angina symptoms need to be evaluated immediately by a health care provider who can determine whether you have stable or unstable angina.
Angina in women
Symptoms of angina in women can be different from the classic angina symptoms. These differences may lead to delays in seeking treatment. For example, chest pain is a common symptom in women with angina, but it may not be the only symptom or the most prevalent symptom for women. Women may also have symptoms such as:
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, teeth or back
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Stabbing pain instead of chest pressure
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
When to see a doctor
If your chest pain lasts longer than a few minutes and doesn’t go away when you rest or take your angina medications, it may be a sign you’re having a heart attack. Only drive yourself to the hospital if there is no other transportation option.
If chest discomfort is a new symptom for you, it’s important to see your health care provider to determine the cause and to get proper treatment. If you’ve been diagnosed with stable angina and it gets worse or changes, seek medical help immediately.
