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Angina is described as a clinical syndrome of chest pain or pressure that accompanies
periods of myocardial ischaemia; it is usually the manifestation of coronary
artery disease. It is usually aggravated by activities which increases myocardial
demand for oxygen e.g. - exercise and emotional stress (1). The name is derived
from the Greek 'agkone' which means strangling.
The mechanism of pain sensation is uncertain: the metabolic products of ischamia
stimulate pain fibres which pass to the sympathetic ganglia between C7 and T4.
The pain is then referred to the corresponding peripheral dermatomes.
The chest pain is usually a central, constricting discomfort which may radiate
to the jaw, neck, or one or both arms and may be associated with shortness of
breath.
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