Angina vasomotoria is a medical term that refers to a condition where the arteries in the heart temporarily narrow due to spasms, causing chest pain or discomfort. The spellings of "angina" and "vasomotoria" can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Angina" is pronounced /ænˈdʒaɪnə/ while "vasomotoria" is pronounced /veɪzəʊməʊˈtɔːrɪə/. The use of IPA helps in accurately depicting the sounds and pronunciation of words, especially in the medical field. Understanding the spelling and pronunciation is crucial to accurately communicate and diagnose medical conditions.
Angina vasomotoria, also known as variant angina or Prinzmetal's angina, is a medical condition characterized by episodes of chest pain or discomfort caused by coronary artery spasm. In this condition, the smooth muscles within the walls of the coronary arteries contract suddenly, leading to a temporary narrowing or constriction of the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
The term "angina vasomotoria" is derived from the Latin word "angina," meaning choking or strangling sensation, and "vasomotoria," referring to the abnormal contraction or relaxation of blood vessels. This condition is usually associated with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and a family history of coronary artery disease.
During an episode of angina vasomotoria, an individual may experience sudden chest pain, usually described as a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation. This pain may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back. These episodes commonly occur during periods of rest or during the night, rather than during physical exertion. Unlike typical angina, which is triggered by physical activity or stress, angina vasomotoria often occurs spontaneously and can be provoked by exposure to cold weather, emotional stress, or certain medications that constrict blood vessels.
Treatment for angina vasomotoria usually involves the use of medications such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates, which help relax the smooth muscles of the coronary arteries, improving blood flow and preventing spasm. Lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet, are also essential in managing this condition and reducing the risk of future complications such as heart attack or heart failure.
A. pectoris in which the breast-pang is comparatively slight, but pallor, followed by cyanosis, and coldness and numbness of the extremities are marked.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "angina vasomotoria" is composed of two main parts: "angina" and "vasomotoria".
- "Angina" comes from the Latin word "angere", which means "to choke" or "to strangle". It originally referred to a throat pain caused by spasms or constriction. Over time, the term expanded to include pain or discomfort in the chest area.
- "Vasomotoria" combines the words "vaso" and "motoria". "Vaso" refers to blood vessels, while "motoria" is derived from the Latin word "movere", meaning "to move". Therefore, "vasomotoria" essentially indicates the movement or functioning of blood vessels.
Together, "angina vasomotoria" describes a medical condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by the abnormal constriction or movement of blood vessels.