Angina

Angina

Angina (sometimes called angina pectoris) occurs when your heart doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs because of a blockage of one or more of the heart’s arteries (coronary arteries). This blockage causes pain in the chest. People who have angina describe the pain as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling.

Angina is not a heart attack. It is a warning signal that you are at increased risk of a heart attack, cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death. Usually, the pain will go away with rest or medication, but it is your heart telling you that your body is working too hard and needs to slow down. Angina is a warning to you to stop what you are doing and rest. If you experience this kind of chest pain, see your doctor to determine the cause and get treatment if necessary

 

• Heart muscle does not get enough blood.
• Brought on by physical activity.

 

Recognizing angina

•  Signs are similar to heart attack.
• Usually does not last longer than 10 minutes.
• Almost always relieved by nitroglycerin.