Angina is defined as chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Pain or discomfort in the chest typically begins behind the breastbone. Angina is typically categorized in two forms: stable angina and unstable angina. Stable angina is a persistent, recurring chest pain that occurs with exertion. Unstable angina occurs suddenly or is a new chest pain that may signal the onset of a heart attack. A third, rare type of angina is variant angina and is caused by a coronary artery spasm.
Chest Pressure
Angina is often described as pressure, squeezing, burning or tightness in the chest. The pain typically occurs as an ache beneath the breastbone (sternum). People often interpret the sensation as discomfort or heaviness rather than pain.
Pain
In older people, symptoms may be different and therefore easily misdiagnosed. For instance, the pain is less likely to occur beneath the breastbone. Pain may occur in the back and shoulders and may be incorrectly blamed on arthritis. Discomfort also may occur (more often in women) in the shoulders or down the inside of the arm, through the back, and in the throat, jaw or teeth.
Bloating and Nausea
Discomfort, bloating and gas may occur in the stomach area, particularly after meals. This occurs because extra blood is needed to help in digestion. People may mistake such discomfort for indigestion or blame it on a stomach ulcer. Belching may seem to relieve these symptoms. Nausea or feeling sick to your stomach is also a common symptom.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of angina. This is caused when the body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood because of narrowed heart arteries blocked by plaque buildup on their inner walls. When there is an increase in demand for oxygen, such as during physical exertion, symptoms of angina can appear suddenly. Physical exertion can include not only exercise, but also everyday actions such as climbing stairs or walking, in which the heart is demanding more oxygen. Typically, angina that is triggered by exertion lasts no more than five minutes and subsides with rest. Some people experience angina with a specific degree of exertion. In other people, symptoms appear unpredictably.
Weakness
Another symptom of angina is weakness. This may be caused by a decreased supply of oxygen-rich blood. Symptoms of angina in the elderly may be masked by weakness, dizziness or confusion.
