Change in angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when not enough blood is flowing to the heart muscle. Poor blood circulation to the heart muscle is often caused by narrowing of blood vessels because of hardening of the arteries. Spasms in the heart's blood vessels also can cause angina. Too little oxygen to the heart caused by lung disease, anemia, or altitude change can cause angina as well.

Symptoms

Symptoms of angina include pressure, heaviness, or tightness across the chest or numbness in the shoulders or arms, especially on the left side. In some people, angina may occur in only one of these areas. Angina may spread to the neck or jaw. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, or sweating.

Risk factors

You have an increased chance of having symptoms of angina if you also:

• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Use tobacco.
• Have diabetes.
• Have a family history of angina or heart problems.
• Are a man older than age 35.
• Are a woman who has gone through menopause.
• Use illegal drugs, such as stimulants like cocaine.

Causes

Angina usually is brought on by activities that make the heart work harder. When the heart works harder, the narrowed blood vessels can't circulate enough blood. You are more likely to have angina when you:

• Are physically active, including during sex.
• Eat a large meal.
• Are emotionally stressed.
• Are exposed to temperature changes, especially exposure to cold.

Angina may occur more often with morning activities than with other activities later in the day.

Treatment

Angina is often relieved by rest or taking medications. If you have been diagnosed with angina, it is important to take your daily medication to reduce the chance of having an angina attack.

Most people who have been diagnosed with angina have a pattern to their angina attacks that they can recognize. If you and your doctor have developed a home treatment plan for your angina, follow that plan.

When to call your doctor

If your angina attacks are more frequent or the angina pain is more severe or no longer gets better with medication, call your doctor immediately to report these changes. Your symptoms may be a sign that more serious heart problems are occurring.