Etymed
angina pectoris
Definition
A condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with crushing chest pain that radiates to his left arm and jaw. The pain began 30 minutes ago while he was walking up a hill and is associated with diaphoresis and nausea. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. An ECG shows ST-segment depression in the anterior leads. Which of the following best describes the underlying pathophysiology of his condition?
Mnemonic
ANGINA - Atherosclerotic Narrowing of Coronary Arteries Inhibiting Nitric Oxide