Stenocardia, also known as angina pectoris, is a medical condition characterized by recurring chest pain or discomfort caused by a reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. The term "stenocardia" originates from the Greek words "stenos" meaning narrow, "kardia" meaning heart, and "algos" meaning pain.
Typically, stenocardia occurs when the coronary arteries, responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits accumulate within the arteries' walls. When the heart muscles do not receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, it can lead to acute pain or a heavy pressure-like sensation in the chest. The symptoms of stenocardia are usually triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, cold weather, heavy meals, or smoking, as these situations require the heart to pump harder and demand more oxygen.
The pain experienced during an episode of stenocardia may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back. It is often relieved by resting or by taking medications that relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, such as nitroglycerin. However, stenocardia is considered a warning sign of an underlying heart condition, commonly coronary artery disease, and should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional.
The diagnosis of stenocardia typically involves a comprehensive medical history assessment, physical examination, and additional tests like electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, echocardiogram, or coronary angiography to assess the severity of the condition and identify the presence of any coronary artery blockages.
Overall, stenocardia is a condition characterized by recurrent chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
