NURS 3104 Study Guide - Final Guide: Unstable Angina, Coronary Circulation, Angina Pectoris
19 Oct 2017
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Document Summary
Angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome usually characterized by episodes or paroxysms of pain or pressure in the anterior chest. The cause is insuf cient coronary blood ow, resulting in a decreased oxygen supply when there is increased myocardial demand for oxygen in response to physical exertion or emotional stress. The severity of angina is based on the precipitating activity and its effect on activities of daily living. Types of angina: stable angina: predictable and consistent pain that occurs on exertion and is relieved by rest, unstable angina (also called preinfarction angina or crescendo angina): symptoms occur more frequently and last longer than in stable angina. Angina is usually caused by atherosclerotic disease. Almost invariably, angina is associated with a signi cant obstruction of a major coronary artery. Normally, the myocardium extracts a large amount of oxygen from the coronary circulation to meet its continuous demands.
