The heart, when it increases its workload, will receive too little oxygen which causes pain in the heart. In severe cases this can also happen when the heart is at rest. Arteriosclerosis affects many people in developed countries. It may start as early as in the twenties and increases with age. Numerous 'risk factors' are known to be associated with the development of arteriosclerosis.
All symptoms typically occur in connection with physical exertion or psychological stress.
They are often worse in cold or windy weather, and sometimes after big meals. The diagnosis is often based on the presence of typical symptoms, medical history and the immediate effect of glyceryl trinitrate spray or tablets under the tongue to relieve chest pains. When available, a resting ECG performed during an episode of pain is also helpful. This test is usually done by a specialist in a hospital. The coronary arteries will then show up on X-ray pictures.