Q. What is Angina Pectoris?

Chest discomfort is often reported by most patients especially those which are chronic cases of dyslipidemia and/or hypertension. Like diarrhoea and fever, angina pectoris is a symptom and can appear in any cardiovascular disease condition. It is a tight choking feeling in the chest brought about by effort or less often by excitement. It is worse in cold weather or after heavy meals and is due to lack of blood to heart muscles. The angina could be stable or unstable. The stable angina shows no changes in the patterns of frequency or severity. The unstable angina becomes increasingly severe and the pain develops with less and less effort. It is sometimes called the ‘brittle angina.