Frequently asked questions
Click below for answers to frequently asked questions about angina.
What is angina?
Angina is not a disease: it often is a symptom of a heart problem. The heart problem that most commonly leads to chronic angina is coronary heart disease (CHD).2
Angina is usually experienced as discomfort or pain in the chest or surrounding areas (arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw), which occurs when the heart is not getting as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs.2,3
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What are coronary arteries?
The coronary arteries are the vessels that bring blood to the heart muscle.
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What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?
In coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), the vessels that supply blood to your heart become stiff and narrow.
This makes it difficult for oxygen-rich blood to reach your heart. Reduced blood flow that occurs following exercise or emotional stress leads to
chest pain or discomfort known as chronic stable angina.2,3
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What is the difference between coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary artery disease (CAD)?
There is no difference. These are two names for the same condition.
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What triggers chronic angina?
Angina may happen when the heart is not getting as much oxygen as it needs.2,3
Physical activity is the most common trigger for chronic angina. Stress, extreme temperatures, large meals, alcohol and cigarette smoking may also trigger an angina episode.2,3
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What does angina feel like?
People experience angina differently. During an angina episode, most people feel discomfort or pain in their chest or surrounding areas (arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw).2,3
Others may experience nausea, weakness or shortness of breath.2,4
Angina symptoms may include:2,4
- Pain or discomfort in the chest or surrounding areas (arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw)
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Feeling lightheaded
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Weakness
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What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?
An angina attack is not a heart attack. Angina means the heart is not getting enough oxygen for the moment.2,3
The pain does not mean the heart is damaged permanently. Angina does not usually cause permanent damage to the heart.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is suddenly cut off. This may cause permanent damage to the heart.5
Chest pain is usually more severe, lasts longer and does not go away with rest or nitroglycerin.
If you are experiencing angina that does not go away with rest or nitroglycerin,
this could be a sign of unstable angina which is a serious condition
that can lead to a heart attack.2,3 Patients experiencing unstable angina
should seek immediate medical attention.*
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How is angina diagnosed?
Angina is diagnosed by noting a patient's symptoms and how they arise. Your cardiologist may run tests to confirm the presence of
angina and to establish the severity of the heart condition. Tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) at rest, a treadmill
exercise test, a pharmacological stress test, and an angiogram (imaging of the coronary arteries using a heart catheter).2
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How is angina treated?
There are a variety of approaches to chronic angina treatment. These include:2,13,14
- Antianginal medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Angioplasty/Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, also known as stenting)
- Bypass surgery
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Your cardiologist may suggest a combination of these options, depending on your symptoms and medical history. The goal of treatment of
chronic angina should be relief of angina symptoms and a return to normal physical activity levels.6
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Can angina treatment reduce my symptoms?
The goal of treatment of chronic angina is to:
- Reduce pain and discomfort and how often angina occurs6
- Reduce the impact angina has on your quality of life7
If you're still experiencing angina despite treatment, speak to your cardiologist about your options.
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Can a person with angina exercise?
It is important for you to talk to your cardiologist about an exercise program that is right for you.
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Can angina be avoided?
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of having an angina attack. You can start by making lifestyle changes and controlling risk
factors that can contribute to coronary heart disease (the most common heart problem that causes angina).2
Talk to your cardiologist about changes that are right for you.
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