Stable angina: management

Stable angina

Stable angina is usually caused by coronary heart disease, a condition in which blood vessels in the heart become narrowed by a build up of fat. This reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. The most common symptom of stable angina is pain or a feeling of discomfort or tightness in the chest, which can often spread to the jaw, back, shoulders and arms.

An attack of angina can be brought on by anything that requires the heart to work harder, such as physical activity, emotional stress, exposure to cold or eating a heavy meal. The pain usually lasts for only a few minutes and goes away with rest. An angina attack does not damage the heart.