Angina is not a disease; it is a symptom of a heart problem.
Chronic angina is the most common form of angina and is a symptom of a heart problem.
The heart problem that most commonly leads to chronic angina is coronary heart disease
(CHD).2
In CHD, the arteries of your heart become stiff and narrow, making it difficult
for oxygen-rich blood to reach your heart muscle.2,3 When your heart
doesn't get as much oxygen as it needs, it cannot work properly.4 This
is what causes the pain and discomfort of angina.2 Angina is your heart's
way of telling you that it needs more oxygen.
It is important to speak to your cardiologist about your angina. Let you cardiologist
know about your symptoms, as well as how angina is affecting your quality of life
and emotional well-being. Together you can discuss ways to better manage your angina.