Stable angina is also called exercise-induced angina. This term describes characteristic chest pain which occurs most commonly with exercise, but also with stress, cold and large meals.
It is relieved by rest or by a class of drugs called nitrates, often used under the tongue.
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People describe it as a tightness or heaviness, as well as pain, felt in the centre of the chest, behind the breast bone. The pain can also move out (radiate) to the arms.
Variations in this occur. Some cases of ischaemia are essentially asymptomatic (so-called silent ischaemia) and are only visible on an ECG.
In most instances, angina is associated with significant atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries though, more rarely, the arteries may be largely free of disease. In such cases it is presumed that spasm of the arteries is the dominant cause.
When angina is diagnosed, the underlying cause must be dealt with as well as the symptoms and the arterial plaque. This is particularly so when lipids such as cholesterol are too high.
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