What is the mechanism of angina pectoris?

Angina pectoris often results from ischemic episodes that excite chemosensitive and mechanoreceptive receptors in the heart. Ischemic episodes release a collage of chemicals, including adenosine and bradykinin, that excites the receptors of the sympathetic and vagal afferent pathways.

What is the pathophysiology of unstable angina?

Unstable angina is a common clinical syndrome in which the most important pathogenic mechanism is an intracoronary platelet-rich thrombus on a disrupted, ulcerated, or eroded atherosclerotic plaque leading to partial coronary occlusion.

How do you treat angina decubitus?

Angina typically occurs in response to exertion and is relieved by rest. Doctors diagnose angina based on symptoms, electrocardiography, and imaging tests. Treatment may include nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

How does lactic acid cause angina?

The discomfort comes about when heart muscle is working harder than usual but does not receive as much oxygenated blood as it needs. The lack of oxygen causes a build-up of lactic acid, which is produced by muscles breaking down sugars to create energy. The build-up triggers nerve endings to signal pain.

What is the difference between a stable and unstable angina pathophysiology?

Stable angina is when you get angina symptoms during moderate physical activity or when you are pushing yourself physically. These symptoms go away with rest and/or medication. Unstable angina is when you get angina symptoms while doing very little or resting.

What is decubitus angina?

Angina decubitus is a variant of angina pectoris that occurs at night while the patient is recumbent. Some have suggested that it is induced by an increase in myocardial oxygen demand caused by expansion of the blood volume with increased venous return during recumbency.

What are the two main types of angina pectoris?

These include:

  • Stable Angina. In stable angina, episodes of chest discomfort are usually predictable.
  • Unstable Angina. In unstable angina, chest pain can occur at any time—often while a person is resting.
  • Variant Angina Pectoris. Variant angina pectoris can happen at any time.

How does angina differ from a myocardial infarction?

The key difference between angina and a heart attack is that angina is the result of narrowed (rather than blocked) coronary arteries. This is why, unlike a heart attack, angina does not cause permanent heart damage.