- Angina pectoris, also known as angina, is a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen.
- It's usually caused by a partial blockage or spasm of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which is also known as ischemia.
- Angina is often a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), but it can also have other causes.
Symptoms of angina include:
- A pressing, squeezing, or crushing pain in the center of the chest, usually under the breastbone
- Pain that may also occur in the upper back, neck, both arms, or ear lobes
- Pain that feels like gas or indigestion
- Pain that spreads to the arms, back, or other areas
Angina can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
- Physical activity
- Emotional stress
- Extreme cold and heat
- Heavy meals
- Drinking excessive alcohol
- Cigarette smoking
