Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.
| EMS etiologies | Setting: ER |
Angina, or angina pectoris, is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically a symptom of coronary artery disease. It results from partial obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries, most often due to atherosclerosis. Other contributing factors may include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, or, less commonly, anemia.
There are two primary types of angina:
Stable Angina - This occurs during physical exertion or stress and typically subsides with rest or nitroglycerin. It is predictable and often triggered by activity, cold weather, or emotional stress.
Unstable Angina - This type is more severe and unpredictable, occurring at rest or with minimal exertion. It may signal an impending heart attack and is treated similarly to acute coronary syndromes.
The underlying cause of both types is usually atherosclerosis, which progresses through inflammation, leading to unstable plaque formation, thrombosis, and reduced coronary blood flow. Unstable angina can lead to myocardial ischemia and, if untreated, infarction (heart tissue death). Urgent medical attention is required for unstable angina due to the risk of heart attack.