According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the term angina refers to the chest pain that is symptomatic of coronary artery disease. The main characteristic of coronary artery disease is the accumulation of fatty deposits called plaque on the interior walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque deposits reduce the diameter of the arteries and thereby restrict the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. You experience the chest pain of angina because the heart is not getting enough oxygenated blood. The probability of experiencing angina is the same for men and women whose family history and other factors put them at risk for coronary artery disease. There are three types of angina.
Stable Angina
Stable angina is the type that occurs most frequently, and it follows a regular and predictable pattern, says the NHLBI. This condition predisposes you to a future heart attack brought on by factors such as physical exertion, stress, smoking or hot and cold temperatures. The episode of stable angina lasts for 5 minutes or less, and rest or medication are effective fixes for the problem. Stable angina feels like chest pain that spreads to the arms and back.
Unstable Angina
Unstable angina occurs because a blood clot is partially or completely blocking an artery. It is more dangerous than stable angina as it indicates a heart attack is imminent, according to the NHLBI. Episodes of unstable angina do not follow a pattern and are not brought on by physical exertion. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says they can occur while a person is at rest and can last for as long as 30 minutes. Medication does not relieve the chest pain, which is more severe than that of stable angina.
Variant Angina
According to the NHLBI, variant angina occurs in only 2 percent of people who have angina. The pain of variant angina can be severe, and usually occurs during times of rest. It is not necessarily a sign of coronary artery disease, though it can be. The cause of this type of angina is a spasm that occurs in the wall of one of the coronary arteries. The spasm constricts the artery thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart. Medication can effectively relieve this type of angina.
