Angina is a word used to describe chest pain or discomfort that occurs with coronary artery disease, or narrowing of the arteries. A person with coronary artery disease has trouble with blood circulating through the cardiovascular system properly. Physical or emotional exertion, such as running or experiencing high levels of personal stress, may cause the heart to receive less oxygen, leading to angina. A person with known angina may take medications to relieve symptoms, but medical treatment may be required to prevent complications.
Chest Pain
A person with angina may develop chest pain or discomfort after exertion. He may feel a heavy pain or squeezing or sharp pain in the chest, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pain may appear in the center of the chest or may radiate to the entire chest, neck, shoulder or arms. A person with stable angina may be able to predict that chest pain will occur after a period of physical activity or exertion.
Angina-related chest pain may go away with rest and the use of prescribed medication, such as nitroglycerin. Chest pain that does not go away with rest, appears during a period of rest instead of exertion, or feels different may be a sign of another heart-related condition and requires immediate medical attention, according to the UMMC.
Shortness of Breath
A person experiencing angina may also develop shortness of breath. She may find it difficult to take a deep breath. Heaviness or pressure on the chest from angina may increase feelings of breathing difficulty. Rest may help relieve shortness of breath along with chest discomfort.
Additional Symptoms
Additional symptoms may accompany exertional angina. A person may also experience nausea and feelings of indigestion with angina, as well as anxiety, sweating and dizziness. Angina symptoms may appear suddenly after exertion; however Mayo Clinic.com states most symptoms resolve in about five minutes. Symptoms which change in length or severity may indicate a deeper problem.
