At what age does angina usually occur?

Aug 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

While working today, I suddenly experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest, but it went away after a while. I'm wondering if it could be angina. At what age does angina usually occur?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo

Angina pectoris, medically termed "coronary artery disease," is a cardiac condition caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart. The age of onset varies among individuals due to multiple factors.

Angina is commonly seen in middle-aged individuals after the age of 50, with a slightly higher incidence rate in males than females. Postmenopausal women also represent a high-risk group for coronary artery disease, as they lose the protective effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system. In recent years, due to factors such as lifestyle and dietary habits, the incidence of angina among young people has increased. Clinically, cases exhibiting angina symptoms have been observed in individuals in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s.

In addition, patients with underlying conditions such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, as well as those with hardened coronary artery walls caused by long-term hypertension or damaged vascular endothelial cells due to hyperlipidemia, which promotes thrombosis, are all at high risk for angina.

Regardless of age, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular medical checkups are essential. If symptoms such as chest tightness or chest pain occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.