Angina - Stable
Alternate Names : Angor Pectoris - Stable
DefinitionAngina is a pain or discomfort in the chest or adjacent areas caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. This chest pain is relieved by rest or medication within a short period of time (usually 15 minutes). Chest pain of a longer duration or pain appearing with a lower level of effort than before, even at rest, should be considered unstable angina.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Angina affects approximately 3% to 5% of the population in the U.S. The most common cause is coronary artery disease (CAD).
In CAD, blockages in the coronary arteries, called plaques, prevent an adequate amount of blood from reaching the heart muscle. Situations that require increased blood flow to the heart may cause angina in people with CAD. These include exercise, heavy meals, and stress.
The risk factors for CAD (which in turn causes angina) include the following:
Less common causes of angina include the following:
These conditions may also coexist with CAD.
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