How Do You Spell REFLEX ANGINA?

1. Reflex angina, also known as vasospastic angina or variant angina, is a medical condition characterized by recurring episodes of chest pain or discomfort caused by abrupt and temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.

   Unlike other forms of angina, such as stable or unstable angina, reflex angina occurs spontaneously and is not necessarily associated with physical exertion or emotional stress. It is believed to result from a heightened sensitivity of the coronary arteries to various triggers, often related to the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles within the arterial walls.

   The narrowing or spasms of the coronary arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and uneasiness. These symptoms typically occur at rest and can happen at any time, including during sleep.

   Common triggers for reflex angina include exposure to cold temperatures, emotional stress, certain medications, smoking, and substances that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, like caffeine or illicit drugs.

   Diagnosis of reflex angina usually involves a combination of assessing symptoms, medical history, and conducting tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, and coronary angiography to evaluate the blood flow within the coronary arteries.

   Treatment for reflex angina often focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. Options may include lifestyle modifications like avoiding triggers, taking medications that relax the coronary arteries (such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates), and occasionally, in severe cases, procedures like coronary angioplasty or stenting to open up blocked or narrowed arteries.

2. A. vasomotoria.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for REFLEX ANGINA

The word "reflex angina" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.

1. "Reflex" originates from the Latin reflexus, which means "a bending or turning back". It is derived from the Latin verb "reflectere" which means "to bend back" or "to turn back".

2. "Angina" comes from the Latin word angina, which means "a strangling pain or a quinsy". This term was adapted from the Greek word ankhone, which means "strangling".

When combined, "reflex angina" refers to a type of angina that occurs as a result of a reflex response within the body, often triggered by emotional stress or physical exertion.