Causes of Angina of Effort

Angina of. effort may occur from the presence of physical stress on the heart when coronary arteries cannot widen as needed because:

• The spasm of coronary arteries;
• Coronary artery atherosclerosis – the process in which cholesterol plaques (clusters) are accumulated on the walls of the arteries.

As a major sign of coronary heart disease, angina may also occur together with other disorders, such as:

• Aortic valve disorders. The aortic valve is located close to the coronary arteries, therefore, these disorders reduce the blood flow through these arteries;
• Severe anemia. This disorder causes insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle;

An angina of effort attack can be provoked by the following factors:

• Physical activity;
• Emotional stress;
• Leaving a warm area and encountering cold air;
• Smoking;
• Heavy meal.

Also angina of effort can be caused by a significant increase of pressure in the right ventricle. Decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia and reduced blood oxygen levels are not the causes of this type of angina, but they have a negative effect on the condition.

 Next chapter: Angina of Effort symptoms