Genetic predisposing factors include being male, having high blood pressure and having a family history of coronary artery disease. Risks due to lifestyle include smoking, high fat intake with high blood cholesterol levels and obesity. An increased blood flow to the heart is needed in many instances, such as during exercise, sex or stressful or emotional situations. In such situations the narrowed coronary arteries cannot deliver enough blood to the heart to cope with the increased demand for oxygen. This is stable angina.
Unstable angina is so-called because it can strike at any time even when resting.
This type of angina, although less common than stable angina, is very serious and needs urgent treatment at hospital. In stable angina this occurs on exertion and is relieved by rest Feeling pressure in the chest Extreme anxiety Pain radiating from the chest to the throat, arms, neck, and back Dizziness or nausea, and sometimes vomiting Sweating Difficulty in breathing Angina can be confused with a heart attack. However, unlike a heart attack, the pain from angina usually goes away in 15 minutes or less with rest. If the pain continues or gets worse, call an ambulance. From the results the doctors will be able to tell if you have coronary artery disease.