One of the most vital topics in your Biology curricula, noting this medical issue is also important for better healthcare. Read on to understand this health condition better and consequently also take better care of your physical issues which might arise from the same.

Define Angina Pectoris

Angina Pectoris meaning is the ischemia-induced chest pain. Lack of oxygenated blood to the heart causes spasm or obstruction to coronary arteries. Notably, repeated anginas is an indication of a potential heart attack.

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Image: Blocked artery leading to Angina Pectoris

Classification of Angina Pectoris

The different types of Angina Pectoris are –

Stable Angina

It is the most common type of angina where symptoms become apparent on a regular basis such as chest pain and breathlessness while climbing up a flight of stairs. Symptoms are mostly seen in case of exertion.

Unstable Angina

The symptoms are less frequent but more severe. Chest pain lasts longer than usual and requires immediate testing. It is more likely to be a precursor to cardiac arrest.

Microvascular Angina

Even though this has angina-like chest pain, the causes are somewhat different. It arises from lack of proper functioning blood vessels in the heart, legs and arms. In such cases, diagnosis is difficult.

Do You Know?

Even though Angina Pectoris can lead to extreme physical discomfort, an individual does not stand to lose his or her life. It is an indicator of a potential fatality like cardiac arrest.

Angina Pectoris Causes

The causes are lack of passage of oxygenated blood and clogging of coronary arteries. Cholesterol may be deposited in the wall of arteries forming cholesterol plaque. Accumulation of such plaques causes narrowing of arteries. Such a problem hinders proper movement of oxygenated blood. Angina or chest pain is caused due to lack of oxygen.

Angina Pectoris Symptoms

The major symptoms are –

Feeling of pressure, tightening, heaviness or aching across the chest.
Pain may spread to arms, neck, jaw and back.
Heartburn
Indigestion
Weakness
Nausea
Sweating
Cramping
Shortness of breath

Angina can also be aggravated by medications, excessive thyroid replacement, vasodilators and polycythemia, among others.

Angina Pectoris Diagnosis

1. Angiogram

It is a non-invasive procedure using intravenous dye containing iodine along with CT scanning for imaging arteries.

2. Cardiac Catheterisation

The technique includes taking an X-ray picture of coronary arteries that may show a narrowing of arteries.

3. Stress Echocardiography

Stress echocardiography is a combination of exercise stress testing, along with heart muscle ultrasound imaging. It has been found to have higher accuracy.

4. Exercise Stress Test

Exercise Stress Test may include bicycle testing or exercise treadmill for the detection of coronary artery disease. The recordings are taken while the patient performs the exercise.

Angina Pectoris Treatment

The most effective medicine is nitroglycerin as it is a vasodilator that helps in greater oxygen passage to the muscles in the heart. The treatment of Angina Pectoris is to provide relief or slow down the symptoms. Its objective is to reduce the progression of the condition. Vasodilators such as isosorbide mononitrate are used to treat chronic stable angina. Ivabradine acts as an antianginal and anti-ischemic.

Test Your Knowledge

i. Angina Pectoris Occurs in which Organ Owing to Lack of Oxygenated Blood?

(a) Lungs

(b) Liver

(d) Brain

ii. Which of the Following Procedures Indicate Movement of Blood in Heart?

(a) Coronary artery bypass

(b) Stent

(d) Angiography

Solutions: i. (c) Heart, ii. (d) Angiography

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FAQs on Angina Pectoris: Complete Guide for Students

1. What is Angina Pectoris as described in the NCERT syllabus?

Angina Pectoris is a medical condition characterised by acute chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. According to the CBSE Class 11 Biology syllabus, this is a key symptom of an underlying condition called myocardial ischemia. The pain is typically temporary and often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress.

2. What are the primary causes of Angina Pectoris?

The most common cause of Angina Pectoris is the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis. This condition involves the build-up of fatty deposits, or plaques, on the inner walls of the arteries. This plaque restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to an oxygen deficit that causes chest pain, especially during periods of increased heart activity.

3. What are the common symptoms that indicate an angina attack?

The main symptom of angina is a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing pain in the chest. This discomfort can sometimes radiate to other parts of the body. Associated symptoms include:

Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or dizziness.
Unexplained fatigue.
Sweating.

4. How is Angina Pectoris different from a heart attack?

The key difference lies in the duration of blood flow interruption and the resulting damage. Angina is a temporary pain caused by a short-term reduction in blood flow, and it does not cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. In contrast, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) involves a complete and prolonged blockage of a coronary artery, leading to the death of heart muscle tissue and permanent damage. Angina is often a warning sign that a person is at high risk for a heart attack.

5. What are the main types of Angina Pectoris a student should know?

There are several types of angina, but the primary ones relevant to the curriculum are:

Stable Angina: This is the most common form. The chest pain is predictable and typically occurs during physical activity or stress. It is usually relieved by rest or medication like nitroglycerin.
Unstable Angina: This type is a medical emergency. The pain is unexpected, can occur even at rest, and is often more severe and prolonged than stable angina. It indicates a high, immediate risk of a heart attack.

6. Why is Angina Pectoris considered a serious warning sign for heart health?

Angina Pectoris is a crucial warning sign because it directly indicates the presence of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). The chest pain is a clear signal that the heart's oxygen supply is compromised. Ignoring this symptom can be dangerous because the underlying arterial blockage can worsen, leading to a life-threatening event like a heart attack, heart failure, or severe arrhythmia.

7. How does the lack of oxygen-rich blood physically cause the chest pain in Angina Pectoris?

When the heart muscle (myocardium) is deprived of sufficient oxygen, it is forced to switch from its normal aerobic metabolism to anaerobic metabolism to generate energy. A major byproduct of this inefficient process is the accumulation of substances like lactic acid. This buildup irritates the nerve endings within the heart muscle, triggering the pain signals that are perceived as the characteristic chest pain of angina.