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When the coronary arteries cannot supply enough oxygenated blood, usually because they are narrowed, then it is possible for angina to occur. There are several reasons why arteries might narrow and it could be from a coronary artery spasm, arthrosclerosis, or even a coronary artery embolism, the latter is very rare, though. Angina may also be caused by acute coronary thrombosis although it is usually more likely to cause a heart attack. 

Many times angina is the worst during moments of exertion. This is because the demand for oxygenated blood increases when heart rate increases. If the coronary arty is narrowed then it will have difficulty supplying the blood as fast as the heart needs it. The result is angina or in some cases dyspnea equivalent angina. The only way to relieve the angina is through resting to bring the heart rate back to normal and lower the demands for oxygenated blood. 

There are other disorders that may be responsible for increasing the demands on the heart besides just exertion. This may be due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic regurgitation, hypertension, or aortic stenosis. Under any of these circumstances it is possible to experience angina regardless of whether there is any atherosclerosis or not. When the oxygen level is decreased, such as occurs in hypoxia and/or anemia, then this can make angina worse or even precipitate it.

Individuals who have angina that is stable can usually predict when a flare-up will occur based on workload and output of energy. Although, patients should be aware that the arterial narrowing found in atherosclerosis is not fixed and can vary somewhat based on the changes in the artery. Because of this many people will experience angina more in the morning because the arterial tone will be higher. Other changes may also affect the arterial tone, such as endothelial function. 

There are many signs and symptoms of dyspnea equivalent angina. It’s interesting to note that angina can have extremes from being quite vague in its presentation to a severe squeezing feeling. Few people describe the sensation created by angina as pain although it is referred to as discomfort by many. The location of this discomfort may be under the sternum or in other areas such as the left arm down to the fingers or the left shoulder.  It may be in the back or in the upper abdomen. Some people may feel the discomfort in their teeth and jaw! People will not feel pain from angina above the ears or below the waist. 

This is some basic information about angina that sufferers should be aware of. Anybody who feels they may have angina who have not spoken with a doctor should make an appointment today.