Angina pectoris, also known as stable angina, is a type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesnt get enough blood and oxygen for a given level of work. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease, which occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis or a blood clot. Angina can also occur because of unstable plaques, poor blood flow through a narrowed heart valve, a decreased pumping function of the heart muscle, or a coronary artery spasm.

Angina usually causes uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest. The pain may also be felt in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arm. It may be a new pain that needs to be checked by a healthcare provider or recurring pain that goes away with treatment. Angina often occurs when the heart muscle needs more blood than its getting, such as during physical activity like climbing a hill or stairs, or when experiencing strong emotions. Severely narrowed arteries may allow enough blood to reach the heart when the demand for oxygen is low, such as when sitting, but angina may also occur at rest.

The symptoms of angina include:

• A pressing, squeezing, or crushing pain, usually in the chest under the breastbone
• Pain that may also occur in the upper back, both arms, neck, or ear lobes
• Pain that radiates in the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness and fatigue

If you experience unexplained chest pain, seek medical help right away, as angina can be hard to distinguish from other types of chest pain, such as the discomfort of indigestion. Severe or unexpected angina signals a heart attack and needs immediate medical care.