Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It often feels like pressure or squeezing in the chest and can be triggered by physical activity or stress. Understanding the nature of the discomfort and its frequency can be important for managing overall heart health.
Cardiovascular- What causes angina in my case?MedlinePlusMay 2026
Angina happens when plaque builds up in your heart's arteries, blocking blood flow to your heart muscle. This reduced blood flow means your heart isn't getting enough oxygen, which causes the chest pain or discomfort you feel.
- Why does not enough blood flow hurt my heart muscle?MedlinePlusMay 2026
Your heart muscle needs oxygen from the blood to work properly. When blood flow is blocked or reduced, your heart doesn't get enough oxygen, and this shortage causes pain and discomfort in your chest.
- Can you explain what happens during an episode of stable angina?MedlinePlusMay 2026
During stable angina, you feel chest pressure or squeezing when your heart works harder, like during exercise or stress. The pain usually follows a regular pattern and goes away with rest or medicine.
- Why do I feel pain in other parts of my body when I have angina?MedlinePlusMay 2026
Nerves in your chest are connected to nerves in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, and back, so heart pain can be felt in these areas too. This is called referred pain, and it's a normal way your body signals that something is wrong with your heart.
- Is there a difference between chest pain and angina?MedlinePlusMay 2026
Not all chest pain is angina—some chest pain comes from other causes like muscle strain or indigestion. Angina specifically happens when your heart isn't getting enough blood flow, so you need to see a doctor to find out what's causing your chest pain.