Angina squirrosa, also known as stable angina or angina pectoris, is a term used in medicine to describe a type of chest pain that occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease, where the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
The term "angina squirrosa" is derived from Latin, with "angina" meaning "strangling" or "choking" and "squirrosa" referring to "hard" or "tormented." This description is reflective of the characteristic chest discomfort experienced by individuals with this condition.
The pain associated with angina squirrosa is typically described as a pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. It may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. The pain is often triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, or exposure to cold temperatures. It usually lasts for a few minutes and is relieved by rest or medication, such as nitroglycerin.
The underlying cause of angina squirrosa is the reduced blood flow to the heart due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, usually as a result of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits inside the arteries. Risk factors for this condition include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Angina squirrosa is typically diagnosed based on the patient's medical history, symptoms, and a physical examination. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, or coronary angiography, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for angina squirrosa aims to relieve symptoms, improve blood flow to
