ANGINA

What is angina?

Angina is a condition that arises when the heart muscle does not receive adequate oxygen. The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying oxygen to the heart. While these arteries typically deliver sufficient oxygen during physical activity, narrowing caused by plaque buildup can hinder this process. When a portion of the heart muscle does not receive enough blood from a compromised artery, it results in angina.

What does angina feel like?

The experience of angina varies among individuals. Symptoms can range from a feeling of tightness in the chest to severe pain. Discomfort may occur in various locations, including the abdomen, jaw, and both arms, as well as in the chest or back. Angina may also be accompanied by shortness of breath and often manifests during physical exertion, although it can occur at rest.

Why do my arteries narrow?

Narrowing of the arteries is primarily due to the accumulation of plaque in the artery walls. Several factors contribute to this buildup, including genetic predisposition, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, lack of physical activity, and diabetes.

What happens if my doctor suspects angina?

If a doctor suspects angina, they may recommend an exercise stress test. This test involves walking on a treadmill, with increasing speed and incline every three minutes while monitoring heart rate and rhythm using electrocardiograms (ECGs). Should the ECG reveal abnormalities, further investigation through an angiogram may be necessary. This procedure involves injecting dye into the coronary arteries to identify blockages. If significant blockages are detected, a cardiologist may place a stent to keep the artery open. In cases of lengthy blockages or those in challenging locations, a coronary artery bypass graft may be recommended.

What can I do to reduce my risk of angina?

To lower the risk of angina, consider adopting the following lifestyle changes: engage in regular exercise, quit smoking, reduce dietary fats, maintain a resting blood pressure below 140/90, and ensure proper management of diabetes.

Contact Information

For further assistance, please reach out to Karen Cradock, B.Physio, MSc, at Heart 2 Heart Cardiac Physiotherapy. Specialized cardiac exercise classes are available at Kilcullen Business Campus, Mount Merrion Community Centre, UCD Sport, and Killashee Leisure Centre. For appointments, visit our website or call 045484000.

Call Back Request

If you would like us to contact you, please fill out the following form.

Office Hours

We are open Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm and Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. Please note that we will be closed from Tuesday, December 23rd at 11 am and will reopen on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at 9 am.