Angina

Angina - strictly called angina pectoris - is pain in the chest brought on by exercise and relieved by rest. It could be thought of as cramp in the heart muscle. It is caused by the failure of the oxygen supply to the heart to meet its demands, usually as a result of coronary artery disease. Besides being felt in the chest it may spread to the neck or down the arms. The pain of angina should disappear with rest, or the use of agents which reduce the work of the heart, such as nitrates placed under the tongue. If the pain persists then this may be a heart attack rather than angina, and immediate attendance at a hospital may be life saving.
 
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