Most patients with angina pectoris report retrosternal chest discomfort rather than frank pain. The former is usually described as pressure, heaviness, squeezing, burning, or a choking sensation. Typically, angina is precipitated by exertion, eating, exposure to cold, or emotional stress. It lasts for approximately 1-5 minutes and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Chest pain lasting only a few seconds is not usually angina pectoris.
The incidence of angina pectoris among women is higher than among men, with a female-to-male ratio as high as 1.7:1. The intensity of angina does not change with respiration, cough, or change in position. Pain above the mandible and below the epigastrium is rarely anginal in nature. Anginal pain may be primarily localized in the epigastrium, back, neck, jaw, or shoulders. Typical locations for radiation of pain are the arms, shoulders, and neck.
Read more on the presentation of angina pectoris.
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Cite this: Yasmine S. Ali. Fast Five Quiz: Angina - Medscape - Aug 27, 2021.
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