Angina Pectoris: Understanding Its Classic Characteristics

What Is Angina Pectoris?

Angina pectoris, commonly referred to as angina, is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. This condition typically presents as episodic chest discomfort and is often a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease. The classic features of angina help distinguish it from other types of chest pain and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Common Triggers of Angina

Physical and Emotional Stressors

Angina attacks are often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. Activities such as climbing stairs, walking uphill, or lifting heavy objects can provoke symptoms. Emotional states like anger, anxiety, or excitement may also lead to an episode. Other contributing factors include overeating, exposure to cold, smoking, tachycardia, and shock. Importantly, the pain usually occurs during or immediately after the triggering activity, not afterward. In stable angina, episodes tend to recur under similar conditions.

Location and Radiation of Pain

Typical Areas Affected

The discomfort typically originates behind the breastbone (sternum) and may spread to the left side of the chest. It often covers an area about the size of a palm and can extend across the front of the chest. The pain frequently radiates to the left shoulder, inner left arm (reaching the ring and little fingers), or even up to the neck, throat, or jaw. Notably, any discomfort occurring between the jaw and the navel should be evaluated for possible angina.

Character of the Pain

How Angina Feels

The sensation is often described as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing feeling in the chest. Some individuals experience a burning sensation, although the pain is not usually sharp like a stabbing or pinching feeling. A sense of impending doom may accompany the discomfort. In some cases, especially among elderly patients, angina may manifest as unexplained fatigue or general chest discomfort without classic pain. Importantly, while the location of pain can vary between individuals, each person tends to experience angina in a consistent location.

Duration and Relief of Symptoms

How Long Angina Lasts

Episodes of typical angina last from several minutes up to about 15 minutes, with most lasting around 3 to 5 minutes. The discomfort rarely persists beyond 30 minutes. Symptoms usually subside quickly once the triggering activity is stopped. In many cases, taking a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue provides rapid relief, often within a few minutes.