Angina is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying heart condition like coronary artery disease or coronary microvascular disease. Coronary artery disease CAD occurs when the heart is unable to receive enough oxygen due to a blockage or narrowing in the coronary arteries.
CAD causes many uncomfortable symptoms, and Angina is the medical term used to describe the tightening, squeezing, or pressure in the chest. This feeling of tightness can be heightened by stress, strong emotions, harsh temperatures, physical activity, or even a heavy meal.
Although predominantly in the chest, pain in the jaw, shoulder, neck, and arm can also be a part of angina.
Angina can either be classified as stable or unstable. Typically, angina starts in stable form and becomes unstable as it progresses. People with stable angina typically experience pain after physical activity or another trigger. This form of angina is often predictable and goes away after a short rest. Sign in or Enroll Enter a search term:. Change Location X. We've expanded your view You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network.
You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip. Search Close Search. Home Ask an Expert Angina vs. Heart Attack.
Ask An Expert Angina vs. Question: Recently I was having pressure in my chest and pain in my neck and arms. I thought I was having a heart attack. The ER doctor said I have angina. How is angina different from a heart attack? This is similar to the difference between a TIA transient ischemic attack , where the blood supply to the brain is compromised and there is transient neurologic dysfunction, as compared to a stroke, where part of the brain is irreversibly damaged.
For example, pain that comes on when you're walking uphill or in the cold weather may be angina. The severity, duration and type of angina can vary. New or different symptoms may signal a more dangerous form of angina unstable angina or a heart attack. There's another type of angina, called variant angina or Prinzmetal's angina. This type of angina is rarer. It's caused by a spasm in your heart's arteries that temporarily reduces blood flow. Symptoms of angina in women can be different from angina symptoms that occur in men.
These differences may lead to delays in seeking treatment. For example, chest pain is a common symptom in women with angina, but it may not be the only symptom or the most prevalent symptom for women.
Women may also have symptoms such as:. If your chest pain lasts longer than a few minutes and doesn't go away when you rest or take your angina medications, it may be a sign you're having a heart attack. Call or emergency medical help.
Arrange for transportation. Only drive yourself to the hospital as a last resort. If chest discomfort is a new symptom for you, it's important to see your doctor to find out what's causing your chest pain and to get proper treatment.
If you've been diagnosed with stable angina and it gets worse or changes, seek medical attention immediately. Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle. Your blood carries oxygen, which your heart muscle needs to survive. Common Angina Symptoms Chest pain that disappears after five or fewer minutes Discomfort that feels like severe indigestion Pain spreading out from the chest to the arm, back or upper body Chest pain that only occurs during exercise or activities when the heart must work harder Relief after resting or ingesting heart medicines such as nitroglycerin The severity, duration and type of angina can vary.
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