Angina is actually a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia happens when the heart muscle or the myocardium is not receiving the oxygen and blood that is required. Insufficient blood supply is referred to as ischemia. According to the American Heart Association, angina is a warning sign of the impending risk for a heart attack, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. Symptoms of an angina attack may be similar to that of a heart attack; any distressing symptoms should be evaluated by a physician.
Uncomfortable Chest Pressure
During an angina attack, a person experiences uncomfortable pressure and a sense of discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arm. A person can experience the pressure as fullness, squeezing like a vise is gripping the chest or a heaviness as if a heavy weight is resting on the chest. Angina occurs because one or more of the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply the myocardium, narrows or is blocked. An attack is precipitated when the heart needs more blood, such as during exercise, times of extreme emotions and in extreme external temperatures.
Chest Pain
The sensation of pain in the center of the chest is a symptom of angina. With cases of stable or chronic angina, the episodes of chest pain are predictable and last for a short time, about five minutes or less. This symptom can even feel like indigestion. The symptom occurs with exertion or emotional stress and is normally relieved with rest, nitroglycerin or a combination of both. With unstable angina, the episodes of chest pain are unpredictable and often occur at rest. The pain is severe and prolonged, lasting as long as 30 minutes The cause of chest pain associated with unstable angina is narrowing of the coronary arteries because of atherosclerosis. Constriction can also be the result of a blood clot, inflammation or infection.
Stabbing Chest Pain
According to MayoClinic.com, women often experience a stabbing, pulsating or sharp chest pain during an angina attack rather than the vise-like chest pain. Women are more likely to experience nausea, shortness of breath or abdominal pain. These symptoms are not always recognized as symptoms of angina and lead to a delay in seeking medical attention.
