Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD).
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Angina is typically caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
There are two main types of angina: stable angina and unstable angina.
Stable angina usually occurs during physical exertion and goes away with rest, while unstable angina can occur at rest and may signal an impending heart attack.
Common symptoms include chest pain, pressure, heaviness, or squeezing sensation in the chest.
Treatment for angina can include lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgical procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting.
Review Questions
What are the primary causes of angina?
How do stable and unstable angina differ in terms of occurrence and symptoms?
What treatment options are available for managing angina?
Related terms
Atherosclerosis: A condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques in the arterial walls.
Myocardial Infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A disease caused by the buildup of plaque resulting in the arteries becoming narrowed or blocked.