Angina is a pain or a feeling of discomfort around the chest area.
For some people it can feel like a squeezing sensation or pressure on their chest.
This pain occurs when the heart muscles are not receiving sufficient oxygen from the blood flowing into the heart.
The pain can also appear in other areas of the upper body that include the shoulders, arms, neck or along the top of the back.
The pain caused by angina can sometimes feel like indigestion, and in many cases it can be mistaken for indigestion.
However, if the pain or discomfort becomes persistent it can signal a more serious problem as angina is a common underlying symptom of coronary heart disease.
Angina or coronary arteries is caused by atherosclerosis which basically means the build up of fatty deposits in the walls of the arteries.
This is commonly known as the hardening of the arteries however, these fatty deposits are soft rather than hard.
These fatty deposits are also referred to as plaque as it has the similar consistency of the plaque that collects on our teeth.
This collection of fat around the walls of the arteries is caused by calcium which, builds up over time.
This combined with higher blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle begins to soften and weaken the walls of the arteries.
Areas of atherosclerosis in the arteries begin to form blood clots that form on the inner walls.
As these deposits and clots form and build up they narrow the arteries which, then begin to constrict the flow of blood to the heart.
When the arteries become blocked this eventually leads to the person suffering a heart attack and even the risk of death.
However, it is not all doom and gloom because angina is a reversible condition as long as it is not left to worsen.
By making the following changes to your lifestyle you should be able to improve it:

• Eat a healthy low fat diet that contains plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Plenty of daily exercise - about 30 minutes a day
• Stop smoking and reduce your intake of alcohol and red meats.
  

These lifestyle changes will help you lose weight, improve the condition and lower your risk of getting coronary heart disease.
However, always consult your doctor first for medical advice before changing your diet or starting a new exercise regime.