Angina pectoris, which is more commonly known as angina, is severe chest pain caused by a lack of blood (ischemia) in the heart muscle. With the lack of blood, there is also a corresponding lack of oxygen in the heart muscle.

This lack of blood flow is generally caused by an obstruction or spasms of the heart's blood vessels (coronary arteries). The main cause for angina is in fact coronary artery disease. This disease is due to atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease or ASVD) which is when an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol.  

The term derives from the Latin angina (infection of the throat) from the Greek ἀγχόνη ankhone (strangling), and the Latin pectus (chest), and can therefore be translated as "a strangling feeling in the chest". This is said to be the common experience amongst those who have survived angina. A feeling that their chest is being constricted.

There is no direct link between the severity of angina and the risk of a fatal cardiac event. There is virtually no relationship between the severity of pain and the degree of oxygen deprivation in the heart muscle. A heart attack may take place with no pain at all whilst an intense pain may not necessarily be an indication of an impending cardiac event.

If the angina attacks worsen though, last more than fifteen minutes, and happens whilst you are at rest, these may be symptoms of unstable angina. You must go seek medical assistance immediately as it may be a precursor to heart failure.

Whilst angina may not be an indication of a deeper problem, you will not know this until you have been fully examined by a trained medical professional. Do not wait and see what happens. You could be in serious danger of a fatal cardiac event.

Sources:

National Heart Lung Blood Institute

Health24

EMedicine

Page Created: 31 March 2010
Page Updated: 29 June 2011