Angina pectoris
Causes of angina pectoris
The main and most common factor is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (arteries of the heart). This is the case in 90% of angina pectoris cases.
Other causes include:
- Stenosis of the ostium of the aorta
- Insufficiency of the aorta
- Rheumatic coronaritis
- Panarteritis nodosa of the heart blood vessels
Stenocardia is favored or rather, is affected by factors which hasten the development of atherosclerosis, such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertonic disease
- Hypercholesterolemia (individual or familial)
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
The prevalence of disease in women or men depends on the age bracket. From 50-65 years, the disease mostly affects men, and above 65 years, both sexes are equally as likely to develop the disease.
Other factors affect the emergence of stenocardia symptoms such as:
- Physical exertion
- Low temperatures (in the environment outside)
- Extreme emotions
- Psychological stress
- Digestive overload (in the stomach)
- Tachycardia
- Tooth extraction, etc.
Introduction
Angina pectoris (stenocardia) is the result of myocardial ischemia (i.e. not the disease itself). Stenocardia (chest pain) is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease.
Symptoms of angina pectoris
Patients start to feel pain or discomfort: occurs when the heart must work harder, usually during physical exertion; doesn't come as a surprise, and episodes of pain tend to be alike; usually lasts a short time (5 minutes or less); is relieved by rest or medicine, etc.
Causes of angina pectoris
The main and most common factor is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (arteries of the heart). This is the case in 90% of angina pectoris cases. Other causes include: stenosis of the ostium of the aorta, insufficiency of the aorta, etc.
Diagnosis of angina pectoris
Differential diagnosis include: infarction of the myocardis, heart neurosis, paroxysmal tachycardia, acute pericarditis, etc. Patients experiencing such symptoms should immediately refer to a doctor, regardless of the severity of the pain.
Treating angina pectoris
Those suffering from angina pectoris do not have to constantly rest, except for cases in which the pain episodes are frequent and severe. These patients should however avoid great exhaustion, emotional stress and quit smoking.
Doctor - patient conversation
Patients who experience angina pain, are usually very agitated and anxious, at times pale, perspiration visible on the forehead, scared of potential imminent death. At times, patient experiences problems with urination and defecation, sometimes urinating frequently or not at all.
Why does the pain occur in angina pectoris?
The pain comes as a consequence of the lack of oxygen in the heart muscle, which in turn, comes as a consequence of lack of blood circulation in the heart blood vessels (less blood circulating). The lack of oxygen triggers interoceptive nerve endings.
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products