Angina is one of the most common cardiac conditions. It’s a pain or an uncomfortable feeling when blood flow to your heart is reduced. It's not dangerous but it can be a sign of heart problem, like coronary heart disease. It's usually felt in your chest. Some people feel the pain in their arm, neck, stomach, back or jaw.

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What are the symptoms of Angina?

 

Angina usually feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest. This can feel painful or like a dull ache. You might also feel it in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.  

Other symptoms of angina can include:​

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• Fatigue

• Dizziness (Syncope)

• Sweating

• Feeling sick

• Shortness of breath

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What causes Angina? 

 

The most common cause is coronary heart disease. This is when the arteries that supply your heart muscle with blood and oxygen are narrowed by a fatty substance called plaque. It means less blood flows to your heart muscle and can cause angina symptoms. 
There are common triggers for angina pain, like:

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• Physical Activity

• Emotional Stress

• Cold Weather

• Eating a heavy meal

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How is Angina diagnosed?

 

Your doctor may be able to tell whether you have angina from your symptoms. Or, they may want to do a health check  or send you for some tests such as :

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• An ECG (Electrocardiogram)

• Coronary Angiogram or CT Coronary Angiogram

• Echocardiogram or other heart scans

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What’s the treatment for Angina?

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• Medication, such as nitrate sprays, patches and pills may help control your symptoms. Your doctor might also suggest you take medication to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
   

• Simple lifestyle changes may help reduce your symptoms of angina, improve your overall health and reduce your risk of a heart attack in the future.

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More information:

For more information about Angina, you can find guides about Angina by the British Heart Foundation or the NHS.