What is nocturnal angina?

Nocturnal angina is a type of angina that occurs during the night, often disrupting sleep. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), where the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. Unlike stable angina, which is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and can be relieved by rest or medication, nocturnal angina can happen without any apparent cause and may not respond to the usual treatments. Angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort, which can feel like pressure, fullness, or squeezing in the chest. It's the body's way of signaling that the heart muscle is not getting enough blood flow. Nocturnal angina, in particular, can be a sign of severe heart disease and may indicate that the heart is under stress even at rest. It's important for individuals experiencing nocturnal angina to seek medical attention promptly, as it can be a sign of an impending heart attack. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications to improve blood flow and reduce the workload on the heart, and in some cases, procedures to open blocked arteries.

Nocturnal angina is angina that occurs at night, during sleep. Stable angina is chest pain or discomfort that typically occurs with activity or stress. Episodes of pain or discomfort are provoked by similar or consistent amounts of activity or stress.