What is a common cause of angina in patients with coronary heart disease?

Coronary artery blockages are a primary cause of angina in patients with coronary heart disease. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, which is often a result of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. These blockages are typically due to atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow. During physical exertion or stress, the heart requires more oxygen, and if the arteries are obstructed, it can lead to chest pain or discomfort known as angina. This link highlights how impaired blood flow caused by coronary artery blockages directly contributes to the symptoms experienced in angina.

In contrast, while anemia can reduce overall oxygen delivery to tissues, it does not specifically affect coronary artery function in the same way, and conditions like pneumonia and dehydration are not directly related to coronary artery blockages or heart function.