Why does chest pain occur? Everything you need to know about angina pectoris

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Angina pectoris is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It’s not necessarily dangerous, but it can indicate the existence of a heart disease such as coronary artery disease. ¹ In this article we will tell you why this chest pain occurs and other things you should know about angina pectoris.

The heart muscle needs oxygen and this is carried by the blood. However, sometimes, for various reasons, blood flow is reduced and the heart receives less oxygen than it needs. Most often, this happens as a result of coronary heart disease, which develops against the background of narrowing of the coronary arteries due to the accumulation of deposits of calcium, cholesterol and other substances (atheroma plaques). This process is called atherosclerosis and causes a reduction in blood flow. One of the symptoms that can appear is this chest pain.

However, it should be noted that angina pectoris does not always occur. During rest, for example, even though the blood supply to the heart is reduced, the oxygen demand is lower and the heart muscle is not damaged. But when the demand for oxygen increases, as happens during exercise or any type of physical exertion, angina pectoris occurs. ²

There are several factors that can increase the risk of angina pectoris and these include:

• Age: Chest pain is a more common symptom among people aged 60 and older;
• Family history: the risk of angina pectoris is higher if there are people in your family who suffer from heart disease or have had a heart attack;
• Smoking: Tobacco can damage your arteries and allow cholesterol deposits to build up; this applies to both active and passive smokers;
• Diabetes – this condition is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, which, as we have seen above, is the most common cause of angina pectoris;
• Hypertension: Accelerates hardening of the arteries over time;
• Increased cholesterol: high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can lead to narrowing of the arteries, increase the risk of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction;
• Lack of physical activity – a sedentary lifestyle contributes to an increase in cholesterol and blood pressure and the appearance of other conditions which, in turn, can increase the risk of angina pectoris;
• Obesity – is a known risk factor for heart disease;
• Stress: Can raise blood pressure. ²

I said above that angina pectoris does not always occur. But there are some factors that can trigger this chest pain. One of them is, as already mentioned, physical activity. The same can be said about stress and cold exposure. Sometimes angina pectoris can occur after a large meal, in which case it could be mistaken for indigestion. If you notice your symptoms get worse after meals, try eating less and more often. ¹

Angina pectoris is often described as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. The pain can spread to the shoulders, arms, back, neck or jaw and can also be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Fatigue;
• Dizziness;
• sweats;
• Nausea;
• Respiratory difficulties.

If chest pain is a new symptom, you should see a doctor to determine what’s causing it and if and what kind of treatment is needed. If you’ve already been diagnosed with angina pectoris, the chest pain doesn’t go away after a few minutes, even if you rest or take medication, or it gets worse, seek emergency medical help. It could be a sign that you are having a heart attack. ³

Bibliography:

1. “Angina.” Bhf.org.uk, 2022, www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/angina. Accessed October 31, 2022.
2. “Angina: Symptoms and Causes”. Mayo Clinic, 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373. Accessed October 31, 2022.
3. NHS choices. Overview – Angina. 2022, www.nhs.uk/conditions/angina/. Accessed October 31, 2022.