Angina

Angina pectoris is chest pain due to ischemia (a lack of blood and hence oxygen supply) to the heart muscle, generally due to obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries (the heart's blood vessels). Coronary artery disease, the main cause of angina, is due to atherosclerosis of the cardiac arteries. The term derives from the Greek ankhon ("strangling") and the Latin pectus ("chest"), and can therefore be translated as "a strangling feeling in the chest".

Treatment

The main goals of treatment in angina pectoris are relief of symptoms, slowing progression of the disease, and reduction of future events, especially heart attacks. An aspirin (75-100 mg) per day has been shown to be beneficial for all patients with stable angina who have no problems with its use. Beta-blockers and nitroglycerin medication are used for symptomatic relief of angina and prevention of ischemic events, and calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil).

Related Topics:
Heart attacks - Aspirin - Beta-blocker - Nitroglycerin - Calcium channel blocker - Verapamil

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Identifying and treating risk factors of coronary heart disease is a priority in patients with angina. This means testing for elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), stopping smoking and losing weight.

Related Topics:
Elevated cholesterol - Diabetes - Hypertension - Stopping smoking - Losing weight

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