Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris is the result of myocardial ischemia caused by an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and oxygen demand. It is a common presenting symptom (typically, chest pain) among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Symptomatology reported by patients with angina commonly includes the following: Retrosternal chest discomfort (pressure, heaviness, squeezing, burning, or choking sensation) as opposed to frank pain Pain localized primarily in the epigastrium, back, neck, jaw, or shoulders Pain precipitated by exertion, eating, exposure to cold, or emotional stress, lasting for about 1-5 minutes and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin Pain intensity that does not change with respiration, cough, or change in position Diagnostic studies that may be employed include the Chest radiography, graded exercise stress testing, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring by fast CT, ECG (including exercise with ECG monitoring and ambulatory ECG monitoring), selective coronary angiography (the definitive diagnostic test for evaluating the anatomic extent and severity of CAD).