Causes of Angina

People with higher chances of having angina are those who have the following conditions or life style:

• Unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Obesity and over weight
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Men over the 45 and women over 55 years of age
• Family record of early heart illness 

Causes:

The most popular cause of Angina is Coronary Artery disease. However, there are other factors such as smoking cholesterol, blood sugar that can form plaques, narrowing the arteries and which can also break off and form blood clots obstructing the arteries.

Chronic Angina is specifically caused by the reduced oxygen supply to the heart, reason why physical activity is the most common trigger since the heart will require more oxygen but there´s not enough. Stress, heavy meals, smoking and even the long exposure to high temperatures can trigger angina attacks.

Artery total or partial blockage by blood clots are the main cause of unstable angina, therefore it increases the risks of having a heart attack.

Variant angina is caused when an artery senses a spasm/tremor that provokes it to tense and narrow, disrupting blood supply to the heart. This can be induced by exposure to cold, stress, pharmaceuticals, smoking, or cocaine use.

Symptoms:

Angina symptoms include pressure, heaviness, burning, tightening, squeezing, or aching across the chest, particularly behind the breastbone. Pain can also be felt in the neck, jaw, arms, back, or even the teeth.

Additionally, the following symptoms can be present:  indigestion, heartburn, weakness, sweating, nausea, cramping, and shortness of breath.