Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine | Angina

Definition

Angina is pain, discomfort, or pressure in the chest that is caused by ischemia, an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. It is sometimes also characterized by a feeling of choking, suffocation, or crushing heaviness. This condition is also called angina pectoris.

Description

Often described as a muscle spasm and choking sensation, the term angina is used primarily to describe chest (thoracic) pain caused by insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle. An episode of angina is not an actual heart attack, but rather pain that results when the heart muscle temporarily receives too little blood. This temporary condition may be the result of demanding...