Angina is a form of chest discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is not a disease in itself, but a key symptom of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), where the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked due to cholesterol plaque buildup. Angina is an important warning sign that the heart is under stress and at risk of more serious events such as a heart attack.

Patients commonly describe angina as a feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or burning in the chest. The pain may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back. In some individuals, especially people with diabetes or the elderly, symptoms may be atypical and present as shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or indigestion-like discomfort rather than classic chest pain.

Angina is often triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, cold weather, or heavy meals—situations that increase the heart’s demand for oxygen. In its early stages, the pain typically subsides with rest or medication. This is known as stable angina. However, if chest pain becomes more frequent, severe, prolonged, or occurs even at rest, it may indicate unstable angina, a medical emergency that requires immediate evaluation as it can rapidly progress to a heart attack.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing angina, including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of heart disease. Early identification and management of these risk factors play a crucial role in preventing disease progression.

Diagnosis of angina involves a detailed clinical assessment along with investigations such as ECG, stress testing, echocardiography, cardiac CT, or coronary angiography to assess blood flow to the heart. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, improving blood supply, and reducing future cardiac risk. This may include lifestyle modifications, medications to improve heart function and reduce oxygen demand, and interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement when required.

Prompt recognition and treatment of angina can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, preserve heart function, and improve quality of life.