Angina is the medical term for the chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen. The heart muscle receives its own blood supply from vessels called coronary arteries. These arteries are located on the outside surface of theheart. Angina happens when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen, because the arteries that supply the heart with blood are narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis. 
Angina is usually provoked by physical activity or mental stress.
The symptoms of angina are often described as squeezing, tightness, pressure, burning, heaviness or aching. This discomfort may be felt in the chest, shoulders, down one or both arms, back, jaw or neck. Angina symptoms may also include shortness of breath or a feeling of indigestion or heartburn. 
As the plaque buildup increases, your artery has a hard time supplying extra oxygen-rich blood when your heart needs it, such as during exercise. This is when you may feel angina. Angina does not cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.
There are two main types of angina:
- Stable angina : angina symptoms and the circumstances that cause them are relatively predictable. The symptoms are relieved with rest or medication within 15 minutes.
- Unstable angina : is a change in the usual pattern of angina that you experience. Symptoms occur at rest or symptoms become more severe, last longer or occur more often than they once did. Symptoms are provoked by a lower level of stress or activity and do not respond as well to medications that once relieved them.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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