What is a common symptom of angina pectoris?

Chest pain is a hallmark symptom of angina pectoris, which occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, often due to reduced blood flow from narrowed coronary arteries. This condition can lead to a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or pain across the chest, and it can also radiate to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back.

Understanding angina pectoris involves recognizing that it typically manifests as transient episodes triggered by physical exertion, stress, or heavy meals and often resolves with rest or medication, such as nitroglycerin. Other symptoms may accompany angina, but the defining characteristic is the chest pain itself, making it central to the diagnosis and identification of the condition.