Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈænˌdʒaɪnə/

Definitions

• Medical Definition: A condition marked by severe chest pain due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, typically a symptom of coronary artery disease. It may occur with physical exertion or emotional stress.
• Colloquial Definition: A feeling of tightness or constriction in the chest or throat, often described as a pressure sensation.

Usage Examples

• "The doctor diagnosed him with angina after he experienced chest pain during exercise."
• "She felt a sharp angina in her chest when she climbed the stairs."
• "The angina was relieved after a few minutes of rest."

Etymology

From the Latin word "angina," meaning "a choking" or "strangling," derived from "angere," meaning "to choke" or "to strangle." The term was first used in the medical context in the 19th century to describe chest pain caused by heart issues.

Synonyms

• Chest pain
• Anginal pain
• Cardiac pain
• Heart pain

Antonyms

• Comfort
• Well-being
• Relief

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the stress is often on the first syllable: /ˈænˌdʒaɪnə/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar but with a slightly softer "j" sound: /ˈænˌdʒaɪnə/.
• In French, the term is pronounced with a nasalized "a": /ɑ̃ʒin/.

Historical Usage

The term "angina" has been used since the 19th century to describe chest pain, particularly in cases of heart disease. It was originally used to describe a feeling of choking or constriction, which was the sensation experienced by those suffering from this condition. Over time, the medical definition evolved to refer specifically to chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, angina is recognized as a serious health issue, often linked with the risk of heart attacks. Public awareness about angina and its symptoms has increased over the years, especially as heart disease has become more prevalent. In some regions, the term is used colloquially to refer to any kind of chest discomfort, though it technically refers to a specific type of pain caused by heart-related issues.

More Information

Angina is a warning sign of underlying heart disease. It occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, often due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries. There are different types of angina, including stable and unstable angina, with unstable angina being a medical emergency. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgical interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery. Prevention focuses on controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.