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Angina
Urgent
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is most often related to narrowing of the coronary arteries, but can also occur because of coronary artery spasm or other conditions affecting blood flow. Symptoms may be triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, cold temperatures, or heavy meals.
Body System
Heart & Blood Vessels
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek emergency medical care for new, severe, persistent, or worsening chest pressure or pain, particularly when accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw. Symptoms occurring at rest or becoming more frequent require prompt medical assessment.
Symptoms
2
Causes
3
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is most often related to narrowing of the coronary arteries, but can also occur because of coronary artery spasm or other conditions affecting blood flow. Symptoms may be triggered by physical activity, emotional stress, cold temperatures, or heavy meals.
Symptoms 2
Coughing Blood
Pain During Bowel Movement
Causes 3
Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood to meet its needs. The most common cause is narrowing of the coronary arteries because of plaque buildup. Angina may also result from coronary artery spasm or other conditions that reduce blood flow or increase the heart muscle’s demand for oxygen. Physical exertion, emotional stress, cold temperatures, or heavy meals may trigger symptoms.
High Cholesterol
Obesity
Smoking
Risk Factors
Risk factors for angina include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, increasing age, and a family history of cardiovascular disease. Conditions that narrow or affect the coronary arteries can reduce blood flow to the heart. Physical inactivity and other factors associated with cardiovascular disease may also increase the likelihood of developing symptoms related to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis of angina begins with assessment of chest symptoms, medical history, and cardiovascular risk factors. An ECG may be performed to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity. Depending on the symptoms and suspected cause, additional tests may include exercise or other stress testing, echocardiography, blood tests, CT-based evaluation, or coronary angiography to assess blood flow and the coronary arteries.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Reducing cardiovascular risk factors can help lower the likelihood of angina caused by coronary artery disease
Do not smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly as medically appropriate, and follow a heart-healthy eating pattern
Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol with lifestyle measures and prescribed treatment
Regular medical care can help identify and manage cardiovascular risk factors
Prevention Guidance
Reducing cardiovascular risk factors can help lower the likelihood of angina caused by coronary artery disease. Do not smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly as medically appropriate, and follow a heart-healthy eating pattern. Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol with lifestyle measures and prescribed treatment. Regular medical care can help identify and manage cardiovascular risk factors.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Oats
May help lower cholesterol.
Vegetables
Support cardiovascular health.
Fresh Fruits
Provide nutrients and fiber.
Foods to Avoid
Fried Foods
Increase unhealthy fats.
Excess Salt
May increase blood pressure.
Processed Snacks
Often contain unhealthy fats.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Physical exertion, stress, or emotional upset may trigger symptoms.
No, but it may indicate an increased risk of heart attack.
ECG, stress tests, and angiography are commonly used.
Yes, healthy lifestyle habits reduce symptoms and risk.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.