Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina pain can be described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or aching in the chest. It can also feel like indigestion or heartburn. The pain can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It can last for a few minutes or as long as a few hours.
Causes of Angina Pain
Angina pain is usually caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This can be due to narrowed arteries, called coronary artery disease, as well as other conditions. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatments for Angina Pain
Treatment for angina pain can include medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures. Medications can include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and anti-platelet medications. Lifestyle changes can include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Procedures may include angioplasty and stenting, which open up blocked arteries, and coronary artery bypass grafting, which is a surgery to bypass blocked arteries.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience chest pain that is different from your usual angina pain, or if your angina pain lasts more than a few minutes, you should seek medical attention. You should also seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or pain that spreads to the arms, shoulders, neck, or jaw.