Angina is a type of chest pain or discomfort indicating reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen, a condition known as ischemia. Understanding the initial indicators of angina is important for recognizing when medical attention may be necessary.
Common Physical Sensations
Angina typically manifests as a sensation of pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness in the center of the chest. This discomfort can extend beyond the chest, radiating to areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
Along with chest discomfort, individuals experiencing angina might also notice other symptoms. These can include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or sweating. These sensations are frequently triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. Rest often provides relief from these symptoms.
How Symptoms May Vary
The presentation of angina can differ significantly among individuals, and not everyone experiences the classic chest pain. Women, older adults, and individuals with diabetes, for example, may exhibit atypical symptoms. For women, discomfort might appear in the neck, jaw, teeth, or back, sometimes presenting as a stabbing pain. Nausea, shortness of breath, and stomach pain are also commonly reported by women.
Older adults and people with diabetes might experience unusual fatigue, shortness of breath without notable chest pain, indigestion, or general malaise. These variations can make angina harder to recognize, potentially delaying treatment. Angina can also be categorized by its pattern: stable angina is predictable, triggered by specific activities, and relieved by rest, typically lasting five minutes or less. Unstable angina, conversely, is unpredictable; it may occur at rest, be new or worsening, or last longer, and does not improve with rest, signaling a medical emergency.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Any new, worsening, or persistent chest pain or discomfort warrants immediate medical attention. If chest pain is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea, it is important to act quickly. These combined symptoms may indicate a serious cardiac event requiring prompt evaluation.
If such symptoms arise, call emergency services immediately rather than attempting to drive oneself to a hospital. This ensures that medical professionals can provide assistance and begin treatment quickly. Even if the discomfort turns out not to be angina, seeking timely medical evaluation is always the safest course of action.
Underlying Heart Conditions
Angina is most frequently a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. This plaque buildup restricts blood flow, reducing the oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
Other, less common causes of angina include coronary artery spasm, where the heart’s arteries temporarily tighten and reduce blood flow. Severe aortic valve stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve, can also lead to angina by increasing the heart’s workload and oxygen demand. These conditions result in insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to the pain or discomfort characteristic of angina.