angina pectoris

[ pek-tuh-ris ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a syndrome characterized by paroxysmal, constricting pain below the sternum, most easily precipitated by exertion or excitement and caused by ischemia of the heart muscle, usually due to a coronary artery disease, as arteriosclerosis.

angina pectoris

/ ăn-jī′nəpĕk′tər-ĭs /

1. Episodic constricting chest pain, often radiating to the left shoulder and down the left arm, caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the heart. Coronary artery disease is a common cause of angina pectoris.

angina pectoris

1. Severe chest pains caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the heart .

Word History and Origins

Origin of angina pectoris¹

1760–70; < New Latin: angina of the chest

Example Sentences

Doctors throughout Asia and Europe prescribe the medication to treat angina pectoris, chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart — typically a result of coronary heart disease.

From Salon

For that reason, I like the Latin term angina pectoris, which means “sensation in the chest.”

From Scientific American

Hemiplegia, or perhaps aphasia or other evidence of localized disturbance, follows central embolism; angina pectoris, with a disturbed cardiac action, results from embolism of the coronary artery.

From Project Gutenberg

Charcot, the distinguished neurologist, suffered from attacks of angina pectoris, and was asked by his family to consult a distinguished heart specialist for them.

From Project Gutenberg

The benevolent and accomplished Dr. Arnold was taken from us by angina pectoris.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cardiovascular disease
• congestive heart failure