Angina symptoms generally include pressure or discomfort in or around the chest, arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. There are many triggers that can cause angina symptoms, including physical exertion, extreme hot or cold, and cigarette smoking. Depending on the type of angina a person has, angina symptoms can either be relieved by rest and medicine or require immediate medical attention.
Angina Symptoms: An Introduction
Angina is a type of
heart disease that occurs when a person's heart muscle does not get enough blood. Pain and discomfort are the main angina symptoms. These angina symptoms:
- Are often described as pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness in the chest
- Usually start in the chest behind the breastbone
- May also occur in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back
- May feel like indigestion or heartburn.
Some people say that angina discomfort is hard to describe or that they can't tell exactly where the pain is coming from.
Angina is most commonly felt after physical exertion. Angina triggers may also include:
- Stress
- Extreme cold or heat
- Alcohol
- Heavy meals
- Cigarette smoking.
Angina is not a
heart attack, but it does increase your chances of having a heart attack.
A person can also have more vague angina symptoms.
These can include such things as:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness.
While these are the general symptoms of angina, angina symptoms can also vary based on the type of angina a person has (stable, unstable, or
variant angina).
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print