Angina usually occurs when fatty deposits clog the coronary arteries, causing the heart to receive less oxygen and blood than it needs- a condition called atheroscierosis.  The attacks are triggered when exercise, stress, cold exposure, digestion or some other activity places an extra demand on the heart.

A common symptom: 

"As the most common symptom of heart disease, angina causes a dull, aching or burning feeling; tightness; pressure; or a feeling of heaviness."  The pain most often occurs on the left side but may also spread to the arms, neck, jaw, lower chest, or abdomen.  Women, however, frequently do not experience the typical left-sided pain but instead have jaw or abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, nausea, sweating or irregular heartbeat.  (Women should be on the lookout for such symptoms particularly after menopause, when their risk for heart disease slowly rises). "In any case," angina pain usually lasts only a few minutes and is relieved by rest and/or medication- such as nitroglycerin patch. 

Who gets angina and what can you do?

You're at risk for developing angina if you have high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, you smoke, it runs in your family and you're mate. In fact, 50% of people with angina have high cholesterol.

Taking the following steps can prevent angina and dramatically lower your risk of heart disease.

STOP SMOKING--Smoking promotes the accumulation of blood-clogging deposits in the arteries and robs the heart of oxygen, causing blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise.

Lose the Fat--A diet rich in saturated fat causes artery-blocking deposits to form, preventing sufficient blood and oxygen from reaching the heart.

Drop extra pounds--Being overweight contributes to the development of other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Get Moving--Exercise helps keep weight in check and promotes cardiovascular fitness.  If you suffer from angina, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

The most important thing to remember about angina is that it's a warning sign.  Respect it as a friend telling you that something is wrong.  If you heed its warning, it could save your life!!