Angina is the term given to a cramp-like pain or heaviness felt mainly in the chest and left arm. It occurs when not enough blood is reaching the heart. But, you may experience angina pain in both arms, in your shoulders, back, jaw or throat. You may also feel short of breath and tired.

Angina often occurs during exercise, after a heavy meal, on exposure to very cold weather, during sexual intercourse or during angry or excited moments. These activities may cause your heart to beat faster or your coronary arteries to become even narrower than usual. When this happens the narrowed arteries let even less blood and oxygen reach your heart muscle and this causes pain.

However, angina can also occur at rest. Angina can be relieved by taking Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) tablets or using a GTN spray under your tongue. The heart muscle is not usually damaged.

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