Angina pectoris

Angina pectoris, often just called angina, happens when your heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Think of your heart as an engine that needs a constant supply of fuel through tubes called coronary arteries. When these tubes become partially blocked or narrowed, they cannot deliver enough blood to handle the heart's workload, especially during physical activity or stress.

This condition affects the heart muscle directly. It is important to know that angina is not a heart attack, but it is a warning sign that your heart is struggling and needs more support. Most people describe it as a heavy, squeezing sensation in the chest that usually goes away after a few minutes of rest.