What is angina?

Angina is not a disease; it 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 chest pain or discomfort, which occurs when the heart is not getting as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs.^2,3 Click here to learn about angina.

Back to top

What are coronary arteries?

The coronary arteries are the vessels that bring blood to the heart muscle.

Back to top

What triggers chronic angina?

Angina happens 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 attack.^2,3 Click here to learn about angina.

Back to top

What does angina feel like?

People experience angina differently. During an angina attack, most people feel uncomfortable pressure or pain in their chest.^2,3 Others may experience indigestion, exhaustion or shortness of breath.^2,4 Angina symptoms may include:^2-4

• Chest feels tight or heavy
• Feel short of breath or hard to breathe
• Pressure, squeezing or burning in chest
• Discomfort may spread to arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Numbness or tingling in shoulders, arms or wrists
• Sick to the stomach or indigestion
• Nausea

Click here to learn about angina.
Back to top

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 causes 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.

Back to top

How is angina diagnosed?

Angina is diagnosed by noting the symptoms and how they arise. Your cardiologist may run tests to confirm the presence of angina. Tests are also run to establish the severity of the heart problem that is causing your angina. Tests may include the electrocardiogram (ECG) at rest, a treadmill exercise test, a pharmacological stress test, and an angiogram (imaging of the coronary arteries using a catheter).²

Back to top

How is angina treated?

There are a variety of approaches to chronic angina treatment. These include:²

• Lifestyle changes
• Antianginal medications
• Bypass surgery
• Angioplasty/Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI, also known as stenting)

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 Click here to learn more about the treatments for angina.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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. Click here to learn how you can lower your risk of angina attacks.

Back to top