Angina pectoris is chest by temporary myocardial ischemia without damage to the heart muscle. This ischemia is due to the narrowed coronary arteries' inability to supply the myocardium with sufficient blood to meet the heart's demand for oxygen during times of stress. This narrowing can be caused by atherosclerotic vessel disease, coronary artery vasospasm, or a combination of both entities.
 
As with many other disease states, a detailed medical history is vital to preventing these occurrences. The astute health-care provider will attempt to quantify the extent and pattern of the disease (what types of activities have caused symptoms in the past) before beginning treatment.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS