Heart

Angina literally means “choking pain,” and angina pectoris refers to a painful or uncomfortable sensation in the chest that occurs when part of the heart does not receive enough oxygen due to disease in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. The

The coronary arteries are small arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle. This blood flow provides the oxygen and nutrients needed by the heart itself so that it can keep pumping. If the heart has to speed up (for example, during exercise or periods of excitement) and cannot get the blood it needs, it will send

A diagnosis of angina pectoris is based upon a number of factors, including the person’s symptoms, his or her medical history, and a physical examination. The physician will want to make sure that the individual’s chest pain is caused by angina and not some other condition, such as indigestion. In addition, the physician will want

The first step in angina treatment is to eliminate risk factors that are likely to hasten the progression of heart disease. This means that people with angina should stop smoking, lose excess weight, eat a “heart-healthy” diet, and exercise regularly, if possible. Although physicians do not know everything about the causes of angina and atheroma (fatty deposits,

Most people can resume a normal or near-normal life after treatment of angina. Some lifestyle changes will be necessary, but life can still be good. Simple angina can be kept under control by Following medical advice Taking necessary medication Keeping in good physical condition Eating well Even if angina is complicated by other health problems,

Here are some frequently asked questions related to angina. Q: My doctor says that my chest pain may be angina, but more tests are needed. When my EKG was taken, it was normal. Do I really need to have a stress test? A: Unfortunately, a simple EKG does not reliably detect angina. Therefore, the physician must perform

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to angina. Angina usually comes on as a feeling of pain, pressure, or tightness in the middle chest, especially behind the sternum (breastbone). The sensation may spread to the left shoulder, arm, and hand, or to the neck, throat, and jaw. Angina often occurs

Here are definitions of medical terms related to angina. Aerobic exercise: Exercise that uses up oxygen in the blood by working large muscle groups and increasing the heart rate; endurance-building exercise. Angina: Term for choking pain (LATIN, throat pain or choking). When coupled with the word “pectoris” (LATIN, of the chest), angina refers to a painful, constricting

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on angina. American Heart Association  Phone: (800) AHA-USA1 Heart & stroke info  Phone: (888) MY HEART Women’s health info  http://www.americanheart.org Heart Information Network  www.heartinfo.org National Institute of Heart, Blood and Lung Diseases of the National Institutes of Health  www.nhlbi.nih.gov Federal Consumer Information Center  www.pueblo.gsa.gov Heart