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Angina

By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com

Created: December 03, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Other names: angina pectoris

Description: symptoms (usually chest discomfort) due to cardiac ischemia, usually caused by coronary artery disease.

Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: usually due to coronary artery disease, although it can sometimes be caused by spasm of the coronary arteries, or by cardiac syndrome x.

Some causes related to other disorders: True angina pectoris, by definition, is always related to cardiac ischemia. Non-ischemic pain should not be referred to by the term "angina." Significance: The presence of angina means that a portion of the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood flow. Angina therefore always has significant medical implications, and requires careful evaluation and therapy.

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