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CardiovascularICD-10: I20.9Affects approximately 10 million Americans

Angina Pectoris

Also known as: Angina, Chest Pain from Heart Disease

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to coronary artery disease. It often feels like squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw. Angina itself is not a disease but a symptom indicating that the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.

Symptoms

Chest pain or pressure, often described as squeezing or heaviness
Pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back
Shortness of breath
Nausea or dizziness
Sweating
Fatigue during physical activity

Causes

  • Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)
  • Coronary artery spasm (variant or Prinzmetal angina)
  • Reduced oxygen supply to the heart during exertion
  • Microvascular disease affecting small heart arteries

Risk Factors

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
  • Family history of heart disease

Diagnosis

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to detect heart rhythm abnormalities
  • Stress testing (treadmill or pharmacological)
  • Coronary angiography to visualize arterial blockages
  • Blood tests for cardiac biomarkers (troponin)
  • Echocardiogram to assess heart function

Treatment

  • Nitroglycerin for acute symptom relief
  • Beta-blockers to reduce heart workload
  • Calcium channel blockers to relax coronary arteries
  • Antiplatelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel)
  • Angioplasty with stent placement for severe blockages
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in advanced cases

Prevention

  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Maintain a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and sodium
  • Exercise regularly as recommended by your doctor
  • Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
  • Maintain a healthy weight

When to See a Doctor

  • You experience new or unexplained chest pain or pressure
  • Chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or worsens—call 911
  • Angina episodes become more frequent or occur at rest
  • You have known angina and symptoms change or worsen

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Coronary Artery Disease

Cardiovascular

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiovascular

High Cholesterol

Cardiovascular

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.