What is Angina?
Angina, or angina pectoris, is a frequently occurring discomfort. It's usually located near the center of the chest. The pain or discomfort occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle doesn't meet the heart needs. As a result, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients.
The discomfort occurs most often during exercise or emotional stress, that's when the heart rate and blood pressure increase, and the heart muscle needs more oxygen.
Anginal pain or discomfort is usually brief, lasting just a few minutes. People describe it as heaviness, tightness, pain, burning, and pressure or squeezing, usually located behind the breastbone (sternum), and sometimes it spreads to the arms, neck or jaw. It may also cause numbness in the shoulders, arms, or wrists.