Angina is almost always due to which underlying condition?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Hypertension
• C. Arrhythmia
• D. Valve disease

Answer: (A)

Angina occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen to meet its workload. The most common cause is atherosclerosis—plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries narrows the artery lumen, reducing blood flow to the heart. As activity increases and the heart needs more oxygen, this restricted supply leads to chest pain or discomfort.

Other conditions like high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, or valve problems can affect heart function or worsen symptoms, but they are not the typical underlying reason for angina. They may contribute to overall cardiac strain, whereas the classic trigger for anginal pain is the reduced coronary blood flow from atherosclerotic narrowing.