Angina [1] is a type of chest pain that is caused by a reduction in blood flow [2] to the muscles of the heart, which leaves the heart without enough oxygen to perform its function (also called ischemic heart pain or angina pectoris). Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease that is usually described as tightness, pressure [3], weight, hardening, or chest pain.
This is a disease that is relatively common, but most times, it can be challenging to differentiate it from other types of chest pain, e.g., pain that comes from discomfort or indigestion. While angina pectoris is a condition that is often characterized by chest pain, the pain can also be sometimes be felt in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
What are the Characteristic Symptoms to Distinguish Angina?
Angina symptoms usually occur based on the type of angina that is manifesting in the individual. Stable angina [4] predictably happens whenever you physically exert yourself or experience significant stress, typically, stable angina doesn’t always change in occurrence and it does not get worse.
Chest pain that happens at rest, or with exertion or stress, is unstable angina [5]. The intensity and severity of the pain worsen over time. Unstable angina indicates obstructions have reached a critical stage in the arteries that provide the heart with blood and oxygen. If you have new, worsening or persistent chest pain, seek medical attention immediately. You may be at risk of Heart attack, arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest.