Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris (or simply angina) is recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. Angina is a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD), which occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis.

What are the symptoms of angina pectoris?
Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) doesn't receive the adequate amount of blood it needs for a given level of work (Insufficient blood supply is called ischemia.). The following are the most common symptoms of angina. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• A pressing, squeezing, or crushing pain, usually in the chest under the breast bone        
• Pain radiating in the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, and/or back

Chest pain usually begins with physical exertion, but other triggers include emotional stress, extreme cold and heat, heavy meals, excessive alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. 

Chest pain associated with angina is usually relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed cardiac medication.