Ashwin Kumar

Chest pain is a common symptom that is caused by many different conditions. Some  causes require prompt medical attention, such as angina, heart attack, or tearing of the aorta. Other causes of chest pain that may not require immediate medical intervention include spasm of the esophagus, gallbladder attack, or inflammation of the chest wall. An accurate diagnosis is important in providing proper treatment
to patients with chest pain.
Angina (angina pectoris - Latin for squeezing of the chest) is chest discomfort that occurs when there is a decreased blood oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle. In most cases, the lack of blood supply is due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of arteriosclerosis.

Angina is usually felt as:

• Pressure,heaviness,tightening,squeezing, oraching across the chest, particularly behind the breastbone.
• This pain often radiates to the neck, jaw, arms, back, or even the teeth.

Patients may also suffer:

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Cramping.

Angina usually occurs during exertion, severe emotional stress, or after a heavy meal. During these periods, the heart muscle demands more blood oxygen than the narrowed coronary arteries can deliver. Angina typically lasts from 1 to 15 minutes and is relieved by rest or by placing a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue.

Nitroglycerin relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Both rest and nitroglycerin decrease the heart muscles demand for oxygen, thus relievingangina.