Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a transient form of chest discomfort that happens during physical activity or emotional stress. It occurs when the heart doesn't get enough oxygen because blood flow through the coronary arteries is limited. This can be due to the narrowing of arteries caused by atherosclerosis or as a result of coronary artery spasms.
Angina usually feels like pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest but can also be felt from the jaw or teeth to the shoulder blades or down the arms to the wrists and fingers.
Symptoms typically manifest or worsen with heightened levels of physical activity, such as walking uphill or against a strong wind, or in cold weather. , and improves with rest in a few minutes.
There are different types of angina. The two most common kinds are stable and unstable angina. Stable angina is the most common and happens during physical activity. It goes away with rest or angina medication and usually lasts no longer than five minutes.
Unstable angina is more serious and needs immediate medical attention. Unstable angina is characterized by its erratic nature and might occur even during periods of rest or with less activity than usual. Unstable angina is more intense, often lasts for a period of more than 5 minutes, and it does not go away with rest or angina medications. Without proper blood flow, the heart does not get enough oxygen, leading to a heart attack. Unstable angina poses a significant risk and requires immediate medical intervention.

Treating angina involves addressing the underlying heart condition to improve blood flow and reduce complications. This can include blood thinners to prevent clots, blood pressure and cholesterol medications, specific angina medicines, lifestyle modifications, percutaneous procedures, and surgery.