Angina

Angina pectoris, commonly referred to simply as “angina,” is chest pain that occurs because of insufficient oxygen getting to the heart – usually as a result of coronary artery disease. Angina often occurs suddenly during physical exercise or moments of stress, and it may persist for up to 15 minutes at a time, but it can also arise gradually. Patients with angina typically complain of pain that radiates from the mid-chest to the back, jaws, legs, arms and upper abdomen. They may also experience a burning or pressure sensation on their chest. Medical management of angina may include nitroglycerine tablets or more aggressive therapies based on advanced diagnostic testing.