Chest pain is a common symptom that is caused by many different conditions. Some causes require prompt medical attention, such as angina, heart attack, or tearing of the aorta. Other causes of chest pain that may not require immediate medical intervention include spasm of the esophagus, gallbladder attack, or inflammation of the chest wall.
Angina Pectoris ("ANGINA") is a recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD), which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis.
When physical exertion, strong emotions, extreme temperatures, or eating increase the demand on the heart, a person with angina feels temporary pain, pressure, fullness, or squeezing in the center of the chest or in the neck, shoulder, jaw, upper arm, or upper back. This is angina, especially if the discomfort is relieved by removing the stressor and/or taking sublingual (under the tongue) nitroglycerin.
Angina (angina pectoris - Latin for squeezing of the chest) is chest discomfort that occurs when there is a decreased blood oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle. In most cases, the lack of blood supply is due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of arteriosclerosis.
Angina is common. It affects about 1 in 50 people and there are estimated to be 1.2 million people with angina in the UK. It is more common in men than women and the likelihood of it occurring increases with age. Angina also can occur in people with valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (this is an enlarged heart due to disease) or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Typical angina is uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest. Many types of chest discomfort aren’t related to angina. Acid reflux (heartburn) and lung infection or inflammation are examples.
Angina attack is an acute chest pain or discomfort felt around the chest area on account of reduced blood flow to heart due to narrowing of the arteries of the heart. Angina could also be caused due to increased demand of blood supply for the heart, blockage of artery, or thickening of heart muscles. Supplying more blood through narrow arteries causes discomfort, sudden pressure, tightness, heaviness or squeezing pain in the chest area which leads to Angina.
Angina attacks in men usually occur after the age of 30 and are nearly always caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). For women, angina tends to occur later in life. Coronary artery spasm may occur spontaneously, or it may be caused by exposure to cold, emotional stress, or vasoconstricting medications. Cocaine use can cause severe spasm of the arteries while at the same time increasing the energy requirements of the heart. Variant angina is a syndrome, probably involving coronary artery spasm, where the angina pain does not have the usual triggering activities.
Angina occurs when the heart isn't getting or pumping out enough blood. While most types of angina cause chest pain, silent angina and other forms of this condition can exist without any noticeable symptoms. Medications and surgery may be necessary when treating angina. This site is for those looking for information, articles and news on angina.
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