Angina is also called angina pectoris.
Understanding Angina
Angina, a symptom of coronary artery disease, refers to chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The term "angina" is derived from the Latin word for "strangling," which describes the constricting or squeezing sensation people often experience.
What is Angina Pectoris?
- Definition: Angina pectoris is the more formal, medical term for angina.
- Cause: It arises when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
- Symptom: The hallmark symptom is chest pain or discomfort, which can also be described as tightness, pressure, or squeezing.
Types of Angina:
- Stable Angina: This is the most common form, where the chest pain occurs predictably during physical exertion or stress and subsides with rest or medication.
- Unstable Angina: This is a more dangerous form, where chest pain occurs unpredictably, even at rest, and may signal an impending heart attack.
- Variant Angina: Also known as Prinzmetal angina, this type of angina results from a spasm in the coronary arteries and often occurs at rest.
How Angina Relates to Coronary Artery Disease
As stated in the reference, angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. This implies that:
- The underlying issue is usually the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the heart, known as coronary arteries.
- This narrowing is often due to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside the arteries.
Managing Angina:
Managing angina involves:
- Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and quitting smoking.
- Medications: Nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiplatelet drugs.
- Procedures: Angioplasty, stenting, and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Angina | Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart |
| Angina Pectoris | The medical term for angina |
| Coronary Artery Disease | Underlying cause of angina; disease involving narrowed arteries supplying the heart |
