- Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of angina. Destruction of the coronary arteries often results in coronary artery disease. High fat levels and cholesterol levels within the blood, smoking, diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) can all wreak havoc on the coronary arteries. The body naturally attempts to heal itself. As a result, fatty tissues emit compounds that encourage the healing but also result in the accumulation of plaque (in the locations where the artery damage took place). Plaque is capable of both obstructing and narrowing the arteries, which can decrease the blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in angina.
- Coronary artery spasms can also lead to angina. Muscle fibers surround the artery walls. When these muscle fibers contract rapidly, it can cause a sudden and quick narrowing of the coronary arteries, which is known as a spasm. This spasm can lower the amount of blood that goes to the heart muscle, which results in angina.
- Cocaine use can trigger angina because it can result in coronary artery spasms. These types of spasms can be so extremely that not only can they cause angina, but they can lead to full-blown heart attacks as well.
- Stable angina can result from physical activity or other activities that put stress on the body. Physical activity may very likely trigger angina that is stable. When the requirement for oxygen is very low (such as when a person is resting), extremely narrowed coronary arteries can often permit sufficient amounts of blood to reach the heart muscle. However, vigorous physical activity forces the heart to work much harder and makes the need for oxygen much higher as well. Heavy large meals, exposure to temperature extremes (whether hot or cold) and smoking can also cause angina too. Although not considered as serious as unstable angina bouts of angina, commonly marked by chest pain, can be painful.
- Unstable angina results from the heart not receiving sufficient oxygen. Blood clots that either completely or partially obstruct a coronary artery can cause angina to occur. When plaques within arteries rupture, blood clots may appear. This results in a much more significant, larger obstruction. Clots can expand large enough to entirely block the coronary artery. Unlike stable angina, which is brought on by activity or stress, unstable angina appears without warning or seemingly without cause and is considered a prelude to a heart attack.
