Nerve angina is a medical condition that affects the nerves that supply the heart with blood. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Nerve" is pronounced /nɜːv/, with the "e" representing the schwa sound in English. "Angina" is pronounced /ænˈdʒaɪnə/, with the stress on the second syllable and the "a" being pronounced as the "a" in "cat". The spelling of "nerve angina" accurately represents the sounds in the word, allowing professionals to easily communicate about the condition.
Nerve angina, also known as angina pectoris or simply angina, is a medical condition characterized by recurring episodes of chest pain or discomfort. It is primarily caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply. The term "nerve angina" refers to the neural aspect of this condition, as it is caused by the irritation or compression of the nerves supplying the heart muscle.
Typically, nerve angina is caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque. This leads to reduced blood flow to the heart, particularly during exertion or moments of stress when the heart needs increased oxygen supply. The resulting insufficient oxygenation and blood flow to the heart muscle trigger the characteristic chest pain, usually described as a tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or burning sensation.
The pain associated with nerve angina tends to radiate to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. It is often fleeting and lasts for a few minutes. Various factors can trigger or worsen the symptoms, such as emotional stress, physical exertion, extreme temperatures, large meals, or exposure to cigarette smoke.
Nerve angina is often considered a warning sign of underlying coronary heart disease, which is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart. Prompt medical attention and lifestyle modifications are crucial to manage and control nerve angina, aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, improve blood flow, and prevent potential heart complications. Treatment approaches may include medication, lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and exercising regularly), and, in some cases, medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore or improve blood flow to
A severe neuralgic attack due to spasmodic closure of sclerotic arteries of the nerves and posterior ganglia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "nerve angina" is not a recognized medical condition or term. However, it seems to be a combination of two separate medical terms: "nerve" and "angina".
- Nerve: The word "nerve" originates from the Latin word "nervus", which means "sinew, tendon". In modern usage, it typically refers to the thin fibers that transmit electrical signals within the body, allowing for sensory perception, movement, and coordination.
- Angina: Angina, derived from the Latin word "angere" meaning "to choke", is a term used to describe chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is commonly associated with coronary artery disease.
It is important to note that "nerve angina" may be a colloquial or layman's term used to describe a condition not recognized in conventional medicine.