Angina

Definition

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is often a symptom of coronary artery disease.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angina can be classified into stable, unstable, and variant (Prinzmetal) types.
2. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
3. Nitroglycerin is a common medication used to relieve angina symptoms.
4. Lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and exercise can help manage angina.
5. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are often prescribed to treat angina.

Review Questions

• What are the different types of angina?
• Which medication is commonly used for immediate relief of angina symptoms?
• Name two classes of drugs that are frequently prescribed for long-term management of angina.

Related terms

Coronary Artery Disease:

A condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Nitroglycerin:

A medication that dilates blood vessels to relieve chest pain associated with angina.

Beta-Blockers:

A class of drugs that reduce heart rate and cardiac output, commonly used in treating hypertension and angina.