Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris (more commonly know as simply angina) is the feeling of chest pain, pressure, or squeezing that is often mistaken for a heart attack. It is generally caused by ischemia (inadequate blood supply) of the heart muscle due to an obstruction or spasm of the the coronary arteries. The major cause of angina pectoris is coronary heart disease that causes atherosclerotic deposits to collect in the coronary arteries. Secondary causes of angina pectoris include abnormal heart rhythms, anemia, or heart failure.