Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The discomfort also can occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.

But, angina is not a disease. It is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary heart disease (CHD).There are many types of angina, including microvascular angina, Prinzmetal's angina, stable angina, unstable angina and variant angina. View an animation of angina. This usually happens because one or more of the coronary arteries is narrowed or blocked, also called ischemia.

Angina can also be a symptom of coronary microvascular disease (MVD). This is heart disease that affects the heart's smallest coronary arteries and is more likely to affect women than men. Coronary MVD also is called cardiac syndrome X and non-obstructive CHD. Learn more about angina in women. Depending on the type of angina you have, there are many factors that can trigger angina pain. The symptoms also vary based on the type of angina you have. Types of Angina - Knowing the types of angina and how they differ is important.
-- Stable Angina / Angina Pectoris
-- Unstable Angina
-- Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina
-- Microvascular Angina

Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor will probably ask you a series of questions to rule out the most critical or life-threatening possibilities. Think ahead so you can provide as much information as possible. Here are some questions you might be asked:
How long have you had this condition?
On a scale of 1 (mild) to 10 (critical), what is your level of discomfort? 
What behavior(s) provoke the pain? Physical activity? Eating?
What relieves the discomfort?