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Chest pain can result from a variety of different conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, neoplasms, and pulmonary infections.
Chest pain as a result of Angina, or, more precisely, Angina Pectoris, however, occurs in individuals who have a form of coronary artery disease known as Ischemia. Ischemia can be defined as a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the heart muscles due to arterial obstructions, or occlusions. These occlusions are caused by atherosclerosis, or fatty buildups within the arterial walls. Angina typically occurs when a person with ischemic heart disease exerts himself or herself, causing the heart to require more oxygenated blood. The inability of the heart to receive more oxygen-rich blood during these exertional moments (due to blockages or occlusions) can result in severe chest pain, and a crushing sensation in the chest. Pain brought on by angina attacks can also radiate out to the back, arms, and neck. Angina, in most cases, is concurrent with physical exertion and is therefore classified as stable angina. Unstable angina, however, can occur at any moment, and usually happens unexpectedly when an individual is at rest. Unstable angina attacks can result in pain that lasts significantly longer and is more severe than the pain brought about by a stable angina attack. One form of unstable angina, known as prinzmetal's angina, is particularly painful and occurs mainly in the hours between 12 and 8 am when most individuals are trying to sleep. Though angina generally occurs as a result of physical exertion (excepting unstable angina, of course), it can also be mediated and exacerbated by other factors such as diet and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Since angina is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, it is experienced by tens of millions of individuals around the world. Questions and Information about Angina and Chest Pain |
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