Angina, stable

Other causes of angina

Angina is the discomfort or pain you feel, most likely in your chest, when your heart isn't getting enough oxygen. It's typically caused by narrowing of the

arteries
Arteries are the blood vessels that take blood that is rich in oxygen and food away from your heart. The arteries carry this blood to all the tissues in your body.

arteries that carry blood to your heart. Doctors call this coronary artery disease.

But angina can be caused by other conditions that also stop your heart from getting enough oxygen. Here are some of those other conditions.

You have problems with the valves in your heart.
You have

high blood pressure
Your blood pressure is considered to be high when it is above the accepted normal range. The usual limit for normal blood pressure is 140/90. If either the first (systolic) number is above 140 or the lower (diastolic) number is above 90, a person is considered to have high blood pressure. Doctors sometimes call high blood pressure "hypertension."

high blood pressure that hasn't been treated.
You have a condition that doesn't have anything to do with heart problems but that makes your heart work harder. For example, if you have

anemia
Anemia is when you have too few red blood cells. Anemia can make you get tired and breathless easily. It can also make you look pale. Anemia can be caused by a number of different things, including problems with your diet, blood loss and some diseases.

anemia, your blood doesn't carry enough oxygen. And if your

thyroid gland
Your thyroid gland is a small organ that sits in your neck, just in front of your windpipe. It sends out a hormone called thyroxine. This acts on receptors within cells. By acting on the receptors it gives the cells a message to speed up their metabolism and work harder.

thyroid gland is too active, your heart beats faster than normal. In both cases, your heart has to work harder, so it needs more oxygen. But it may not get as much as it needs to keep up.

This information was last updated on Nov 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2010. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.