Stable angina

Stable angina (also known as angina pectoris or simply angina) is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition is a symptom of coronary artery disease.

Symptoms

Stable angina is characterized by discomfort in the chest that usually feels like pressure or squeezing. This discomfort can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Stable angina typically occurs with exertion and goes away with rest or with the use of certain medications, such as nitroglycerin.

Causes

The primary cause of stable angina is coronary artery disease, which is due to atherosclerosis. This occurs when fatty deposits build up on the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow and reduce blood flow to the heart.

Diagnosis

Stable angina is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and the results of tests that can include an electrocardiogram, stress test, and coronary angiography.

Treatment

Treatment for stable angina includes lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes, procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. Lifestyle changes can include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Medications can include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates. Procedures can include angioplasty and stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery.

See also

• Unstable angina
• Prinzmetal's angina
• Microvascular angina

Stable angina Resources
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