Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This reduced blood flow is usually the result of coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Angina is a common symptom of coronary artery disease and is often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. This article will discuss the symptoms of angina and how to recognize them.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
The most common symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort. This pain or discomfort can often feel like a tightness or squeezing in the chest and may also be described as a pressure or heaviness. The pain may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back. It is important to note that not all chest pain is caused by angina, but if you experience chest pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause.
2. Shortness of Breath
Another symptom of angina is shortness of breath. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, or you may feel like you are unable to take a deep breath. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained shortness of breath, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of angina. You may feel unusually tired or weak, even after resting. This fatigue may be a result of your heart not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, causing your body to work harder to perform everyday activities. If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
4. Nausea
Some people with angina may experience nausea. You may feel like you are going to vomit, or you may actually vomit. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained nausea, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
5. Dizziness
Dizziness is another symptom of angina. You may feel lightheaded or like you are going to faint. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained dizziness, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
6. Sweating
Excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis, is another symptom of angina. You may suddenly break out in a cold sweat, even if the weather is cool. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained sweating, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
7. Anxiety
Feeling anxious or having a sense of impending doom is another symptom of angina. You may feel like something bad is about to happen, even if there is no obvious cause for your anxiety. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained anxiety, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
8. Heartburn
Some people with angina may mistake their symptoms for indigestion or heartburn. You may feel a burning sensation in your chest, throat or stomach that can be confused with acid reflux. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained heartburn, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
9. Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, is another symptom of angina. You may feel like your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering or skipping beats. This symptom is often accompanied by chest pain or discomfort and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained irregular heartbeat, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
10. Arm or Shoulder Pain
Sometimes the pain of angina can be felt in the arms or shoulders, rather than the chest. This pain may radiate from the chest to the left arm, right arm, or both arms, and may also be felt in the shoulders. This symptom is often accompanied by other symptoms of angina and may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional stress. If you experience unexplained arm or shoulder pain, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
