What is angina pectoris?

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Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardial ischemia). This symptom reflects the heart not getting enough oxygen during times of increased demand, often due to narrowed coronary arteries. The pain is typically described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest and may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or back. It’s usually triggered by exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. This chest-discomfort presentation is what defines angina, whereas fainting describes syncope (a temporary loss of consciousness), shortness of breath is a nonspecific symptom that can occur with many conditions, and palpitations are sensations of a racing or irregular heartbeat.