Angina Pectoris

Question 1

What causes angina?

Answer 1

Atherosclerosis

Question 2

What can bring on an episode of angina?

Answer 2

Exercise

Cold weather

Heavy meals

Question 3

What are the different types of angina and when do they occur?

Answer 3

Stable angina - occurs on exercise

Unstable angina - occurs on rest (worrying!)

Question 4

How is an attack of angina investigated?

Answer 4

ECG

CT scan

Angiogram

Question 5

What are the 3 stages of atheroma formation and briefly describe them?

Answer 5

Fatty streak formation - lipids deposited in intimal layer of artery

Fibrolipid plaque formation - Lipids stimulate formation of fibrocollagenous tissue

Complicated atheroma - plaque becomes extensive and prone to rupture

Question 6

What are the complications of angina?

Answer 6

MI

Stroke

Question 7

How is angina treated conservatively?

Answer 7

Stop smoking

Reduce cholestorol intake

Lose weight

Increase exercise

Control hypertension

Question 8

What are the medical forms of management of angina?

Answer 8

GTN spray

Aspirin

Beta-blockers

Calcium antagonists