Angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when an area of your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also may occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It can feel like indigestion.

Angina itself isn't a disease. Rather, it's a symptom of an underlying heart problem. Angina is usually a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease.

what are the symptoms of angina?
Angina (angina pectoris - Latin for squeezing of the chest) is chest discomfort that occurs when there is a decreased blood oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle. In most cases, the lack of blood supply is due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of arteriosclerosis.
Angina is usually felt as:
·    pressure,
·    heaviness,
·    tightening,
·    squeezing, or
·    aching across the chest, particularly behind the breastbone.
 
What causes angina?
If you have angina, one or more of your coronary arteries is usually narrowed. This causes a reduced blood supply to a part or parts of your heart muscle. The blood supply may be enough when you are resting. However, your heart muscle needs more blood and oxygen when it works harder. For example, when you walk fast or climb stairs, your heart rate increases to deliver the extra blood. If the extra blood that your heart needs during exertion cannot get pass the narrowed coronary arteries, the heart 'complains' with pain.

The narrowing of the arteries is caused by atheroma. Atheroma is like fatty patches or 'plaques' that develop within the inside lining of arteries.

What is stable angina?
People with stable angina (or chronic stable angina) have episodes of chest discomfort that are usually predictable.  They occur on exertion (such as running to catch a bus) or under mental or emotional stress. Normally the chest discomfort is relieved with rest, nitroglycerin or both.
People with episodes of chest discomfort should see their physician for an evaluation. The doctor will evaluate the person's medical history and risk factors, conduct a physical exam, order a chest X-ray and take an electrocardiogram (ECG).  Some people will also need an exercise ECG (stress test), an echocardiogram or other tests to complete the diagnosis.

When to Seek Medical Care
If the patient has never had these symptoms, can call the healthcare provider, especially if the patient is uncertain of the symptoms or what action to should take.
·    Do not delay calling 911. Do not wait for a call back from the doctor. Do not "wait it out." To wait is to risk your life.
·    Emergency personnel are trained to recognize angina and to treat it rapidly and safely.
If the patient has had angina before, they may not need to seek medical care if the symptoms are the same as they always are.

What Are the Types of Angina?
The types of angina are:
Stable angina. The pain is predictable and present only during exertion or extreme emotional distress, disappearing with rest.
Unstable angina. This may signal an impending heart attack. Unstable angina is angina pain that is different from your regular angina pain or pain that occurs while at rest.
Prinzmetal's angina. This is when angina occurs at rest, when sleeping, or when exposed to cold temperatures.

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