Angina May Signal Higher Risk of Heart Attack Even Without Severe Coronary Artery Blockages

Angina is chest discomfort or pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is commonly associated with coronary artery disease, in which fatty deposits narrow the arteries supplying the heart.

Doctors often assess angina alongside coronary imaging to determine whether a patient has significant arterial narrowing. However, the new Swedish study suggests that the presence of angina itself may provide important information about future cardiovascular risk.

Researchers examined 24,176 participants who underwent coronary CT angiography and completed a standardised questionnaire. Participants were followed for a median of 7.7 years.

During follow-up, people reporting angina experienced a higher rate of heart attack or coronary death than those without angina. The association remained significant after researchers adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors and considered the severity of coronary artery disease.

The findings indicate that chest-pain symptoms should not be dismissed simply because imaging does not show severe coronary narrowing. A complete assessment should consider symptoms, medical history, imaging results and other risk factors.

The study is observational and does not prove that angina directly causes heart attacks. Anyone experiencing new, severe or persistent chest pain should seek urgent medical evaluation.