Angina is usually brought on by exertion. It is usually relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine. Angina usually occurs during physical activities like walking, sexual intercourse, climbing stairs, exercising or doing housework. Other triggers include smoking, alcohol, heavy meals,excessive heat or cold, emotional stress and stimulant usage. The cause is thought to be due to severe spasm of the coronary arteries.
Some people have angina that comes on with a certain level of exertion and goes away easily.
They may have this kind of angina for a long time. This is called stable angina. When the pattern of angina changes a lot, it's called unstable angina. This is a sign of danger. Unstable angina includes angina in someone who hasn't had it before.