Angina Definition

You will most likely find an angina definition in realtionship to chest pain, or even a heart attack. This symptom is important to understand, as it could simply be predictable chest pain or a sign of a heart attack. Here is some information on the definition of angina, including the three types of angina.

What is Angina? The definition of angina is simply that of severe chest pain. Angina is a symptom, differentiating it from a disease or other type of medical condition. Angina is caused when blood flow to an area of the heart is decreased. Alternative methods of delivering oxygen and nutrients, from the perspective of the heart, are used, where less efficient methods are utilized - which causes lactic acid to build up in the muscle and cause pain. Angina is the result of this.

Stable Angina. One of the three types of angina, stable angina is predictable and should disappear with rest. It can occur during severe emotional distress or physical exertion.

Unstable Angina. Possibly signaling a heart attack, unstable angina occurs while at rest or is pain separate from normal (stable) angina pain. It is normally differentiated in its severity, frequency, and that it can last longer. Unstable angina can be relieved with medication, but often requires medical treatment as it can progress towards a heart attack.

Prinzmetal's Angina. This type of angina occurs at rest, wehn sleeping, or when one is exposed to cold temperatures. Decreased blood flow to the heart's muscle from a spasm of the coronary artery causes these symptoms. Many who have Prinzmetal's angina have coronary artery, where the spasms occur close to the blockage.