But, with physical exertion-like walking up a hill or climbing stairs-the heart works harder and needs more oxygen. Severely narrowed arteries may allow enough blood to reach the heart when the demand for oxygen is low, such as when you're sitting.
When does angina pectoris occur?Īngina often occurs when the heart muscle itself needs more blood than it is getting, for example, during times of physical activity or strong emotions. (Many types of chest discomfort - like heartburn, lung infection or inflammation - aren‘t related to angina.) Angina in women can be different than in men. You may also feel the discomfort in your neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arm. This usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries is narrowed or blocked, also called ischemia.Īngina usually causes uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest. It occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get as much blood as it needs. You may have heard the term “angina pectoris” or “stable angina” in your doctor’s office, but what is it, and what could it mean for you? It’s important to understand the basics.Īngina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease.
