Causes
Angina occurs when myocardial demand for oxygen exceeds the ability of the-
coronary arteries to supply oxygenated blood. The cause is usually coronary
artery obstruction due to atherosclerosis
Types of Angina Pectoris
The most common form of the condition is stable angina. It is brought on by-
physical exertion or other forms of stress, including exposure to cold, heavy
meals or intense emotion, and is relieved by rest
Unstable angina is a syndrome of attacks of increasing frequency and severity-
occurring on minimal exertion or at rest. It often leads to MI
Symptoms
The patient may experience a sensation in the centre of the chest variously-
described as pressure, fullness, squeezing, tightness, burning or a heavy
weight
It may also manifest as pain in the epigastric region, back or jaw, and may
radiate to the shoulders, neck or arms
Emergency aid
Sit the person down in a quiet area, make the patient comfortable and reassure-
Allow the person to use any coronary vasodilator medication he or she is-
carrying. (If the individual has no medication but confi rms that he or she has
angina, you may give a glyceryl trinitrate tablet or similar medication.)
How to differntiate between Angina Pectoris and MI
Unlike MI, pain is reversible on rest; attacks last only a few minutes and are-
relieved by coronary vasodilators
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