Angina pectoris pathophysiology explained

The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle. Fatty plaque can narrow these vessels and limit their ability to increase blood flow. During exertion, stress, or cold exposure, the heart works harder and needs more oxygen. If supply cannot match demand, temporary myocardial ischaemia can produce pressure, squeezing, or chest tightness. A coronary spasm can cause the same mismatch even without a fixed severe narrowing.

Record what brings discomfort on, where it spreads, how long it lasts, and what relieves it. A clinician may examine you, review cardiovascular risk factors, and arrange an electrocardiogram or other heart testing. Treatment can reduce the heart's workload, improve coronary blood flow, and slow plaque-related disease. Take prescribed medicines consistently and follow the specific plan given for an episode.

Call emergency services for new or severe chest pressure, discomfort at rest, symptoms that persist despite rest or prescribed rescue medicine, or pain accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to an arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Do not drive yourself. A changed pattern can reflect unstable blood flow and needs prompt assessment.

Ask what mechanism is most likely causing your symptoms, which activities are currently appropriate, how to use any rescue medicine, and what change should trigger emergency help. You can also ask whether blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or anaemia may be increasing the mismatch between oxygen supply and demand.