Describe “Angina”.
Paroxysmal attacks of retrosternal chest discomfort, tightness, or pressure due to myocardial ischemia.
Most commonly occurs in individuals with coronary heart disease.
Triggers include exertion or stress, which results in increased myocardial oxygen demand.
Angina is the cardinal symptom of CAD.
Patients with CAD usually become symptomatic when the degree of coronary stenosis reaches ≥ 70%.
Typically retrosternal chest pain or pressure
Pain is not affected by body position or respiration.
No chest wall tenderness
May gradually increase in intensity
May be absent, especially in geriatric and diabetic patients
Describe “stable Angina”.
Symptoms are reproducible/predictable and severity, frequency, and threshold for reproduction of symptoms do not change.
Symptoms often subside within minutes with rest or after administration of nitroglycerin
Common triggers include physical/mental stress or exposure to cold
Describe angina equivalents.
Definition: A symptom of cardiac ischemia (other than chest pain) that is associated with exertion or stress, or relieved by short-acting nitrates or rest.
Possible manifestations
Pain referred to the left arm, neck, jaw, epigastric region, or back.
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Dyspnea
Dizziness, palpitations
Restlessness, anxiety
Autonomic symptoms (e.g., diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, syncope)
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