Angina, or more properly, angina pectoris, describes a persistent sharp pain anywhere in the chest. It's characteristic of most types of heart disease, particularly if it manifests itself when the patient exerts him or her self. It's usually caused when the muscles of the heart are deprived of blood and create energy through anaerobic glycolysis. However, it can be the sign of other conditions as well.
Angina can be treated with medication, but is more commonly treated with bypass surgery. However, both types of treatment are effective because they deal with the underlying cause - poor flow of blood to the muscles of the heart.