MSN: Not all chest pain means a heart attack: It could be angina; understanding its signs, causes, and key difference Angina is a specific type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often due to conditions like coronary artery disease. It typically feels like pressure, tightness, heaviness, or a ... Not all chest pain means a heart attack: It could be angina; understanding its signs, causes, and key difference Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease.

Understanding the Context

Angina also is called angina pectoris. Angina is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy weight lying on the chest. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that comes and goes.

Key Insights

Angina may be a sign of a heart attack, and you should seek medical care if you’re experiencing angina. Your provider will work to treat your symptoms and the underlying cause. Angina feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest. The American Heart Association explains angina is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Learn about angina and its various types.

Final Thoughts

Angina, in full angina pectoris, is chest pain or pressure, usually caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium). [2] It is most commonly a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when some part of your heart does not get enough blood and oxygen. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease.