What Is Angina?
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart. Angina is not a disease itself but an important warning sign that the heart may be under stress.
Symptoms often occur during physical activity or emotional stress and usually improve with rest or prescribed medication.
Why Angina Matters
Angina may indicate an increased risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular complications. Prompt medical evaluation and ongoing treatment can improve heart health, reduce symptoms, and lower the risk of serious events.
Common Symptoms of Angina
- Chest pressure or tightness
- Chest pain
- Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sweating
Common Risk Factors
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Family history of heart disease
How Is Angina Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose angina using a medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress testing, blood tests, echocardiography, coronary angiography, or other cardiac imaging studies.
How Is Angina Treated?
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications such as nitroglycerin, cholesterol-lowering medications, blood pressure management, procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery, and treatment of underlying heart disease.
How Home Care Can Help
Home care professionals support individuals with heart disease by encouraging medication adherence, monitoring symptoms, promoting heart-healthy nutrition, assisting with safe physical activity, reinforcing lifestyle recommendations, and recognizing signs that require immediate medical attention.
Home Care Tip
If your healthcare provider has prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, keep it with you at all times and use it exactly as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angina
Is angina a heart attack?
No. Angina results from reduced blood flow to the heart but does not necessarily mean permanent heart damage has occurred. However, it should always be evaluated because it increases the risk of a heart attack.
Can angina be treated?
Yes. Medications, healthy lifestyle changes, and procedures to improve blood flow can help control symptoms and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Can home care help someone with angina?
Yes. Home care professionals support medication management, healthy lifestyle habits, symptom monitoring, and ongoing management of heart disease.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Call emergency medical services immediately if chest pain lasts longer than a few minutes, occurs at rest, worsens, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, fainting, or severe sweating, as these may be signs of a heart attack.