Cardiovascular Health - Angina Flashcards
What is Angina?
A: Angina is chest pain caused by insufficient oxygenated blood supply to the myocardium due to coronary artery blockage.
Q: What are the different types of angina?
A:
Stable Angina: Predictable chest pain during exertion or emotional stress, which resolves when oxygen balance is restored.
Unstable Angina: Unpredictable chest pain that occurs at rest, caused by plaque disruption leading to platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, and vasoconstriction. It may be a precursor to an acute myocardial infarction (MI).
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of stable angina?
A: Stable angina is characterized by constricting chest pain that may radiate to the neck, left shoulder/arm, and jaw. It worsens with exertion and is relieved by rest. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath (SOB), sweating, and nausea.
Q: What are the causes and risk factors for angina?
A: Common risk factors for angina include:
Cigarette smoking: Linked to endothelial dysfunction, vessel wall injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Vitamin D deficiency: Correlated with chronic angina and improves endothelial function.
Family history of premature ischemic heart disease (IHD): A strong risk factor for angina.
Q: How is angina diagnosed and treated in conventional medicine?
A:
Diagnosis: Angina is diagnosed using an ECG, cardiac stress testing, and angiography.
Treatment: Allopathic treatments include nitrates (e.g., GTN), calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine), beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol), and revascularization procedures such as angioplasty, stents, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
