Angina is the chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart doesn't get as much blood and oxygen as it needs. Over time, the coronary arteries that supply blood to your heart can become clogged from a buildup of cells, fats and cholesterol. This buildup is called plaque.

If one or more arteries are partly clogged, not enough blood can flow through, and you can feel chest pain or discomfort.

Angina may not cause long-term heart damage; it's a sign of heart disease. When a clogged artery keeps the heart from getting enough blood and oxygen, angina can occur.

Angina usually lasts for just a few minutes. Here's how people say it feels:

• Chest feels tight or heavy.
• Hard to breathe.
• Pressure, squeezing or burning in chest.
• Discomfort may spread to arm, neck, jaw or back.
• Numbness or tingling in shoulders, arms or wrists.

You may get angina when you:

• Climb stairs
• Carry groceries
• Feel angry or upset
• Work in very hot or cold weather
• Have sex
• Have emotional Stress
• Exercise
• Combine any of these

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
• Treadmill exercise test
• Cardiac catheterization, which shows where the artery is blocked

Your doctor may give you nitroglycerin, a medicine to relieve the discomfort. Nitroglycerin:

• Comes as tiny tablets you put under you tongue, and as spray, capsules, skin patches and ointment.
• Is safe and not habit-forming.

Be sure to ask you doctor, nurse or pharmacist about:

• What to do if you get angina
• How to use your nitroglycerin the right way

Don't give into it! You can change your way of life and lower your chance of having angina attacks. A few simple steps can help you feel more comfortable every day. They are:

• Stop smoking.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Control high blood pressure and blood cholesterol level.
• Learn to relax and manage stress.
• Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Call your doctor if your angina changes. For example, if you get angina while resting or if it ever gets worse.

• Talk to your doctor, nurse or health care professional. Or call SAAOL Heart Center Tel: 6235168, 6211908, 6283098.

• If you have heart disease, members of your family also may be at higher risk. It's very important for them to make changes now to lower their risk.