Angina, Stable, Unstable, Variant
Angina is chest pain or discomfort you get when your heart muscle does not get enough blood. It may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in your chest or it may feel like indigestion. You may also feel pain in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. It occurs equally in men and women.
Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common heart disease. CAD happens when a sticky substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, reducing blood flow.
There are three types of angina: stable, unstable and variant (Prinzmetal's). They have different symptoms and require different treatment.
Stable angina is the most common type and has a regular pattern. It occurs when the heart is working harder than usual. If you have this type of angina, you can learn to recognize the pattern and predict when the pain will occur. The pain usually goes away in a few minutes after rest or mediciation. Stable angina is not a heart attack, but it makes a heart attack more likely in the future.
Unstable angina is the most dangerous and needs emergency treatment. It does not follow a pattern and can happen without physical exertion. It is does not go away with rest or medicine. It is a sign that you could have a heart attack soon.
Variant angina is rare. It usually occurs while you're at rest. The pain can be severe and usually happens between midnight and early morning. This type of angina is relieved by medicine.
Not all chest pain or discomfort is angina. A heart attack, lung problems (such as an infection or a blood clot), heartburn, or a panic attack also can cause chest pain or discomfort. If you have chest pain, you should see your health care provider.