Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is usually a sign of coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to a buildup of plaque. Other causes of angina can include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and high cholesterol.
The primary cause of angina is coronary artery disease, which is typically caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the walls of the arteries become thickened and hardened due to a buildup of plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, the accumulation of plaque can make the arteries narrower, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can cause angina.
High blood pressure is another cause of angina. When the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries is too high, it can damage the walls of the arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow to the heart.
Diabetes can also cause angina. People with diabetes often have high levels of sugar in their blood, which can damage the walls of the arteries, leading to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries.
Smoking is another risk factor for angina. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the walls of the arteries, leading to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries.
Obesity is a risk factor for angina as it can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which can cause angina.
Physical inactivity is another risk factor for angina. Being inactive can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
Finally, high cholesterol can also cause angina. High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.