Glossary / Lexicon

Angina pectoris refers to chest pain that occurs because the muscle tissue of the heart is deprived of adequate oxygen or because removal of carbon dioxide and other wastes interferes with the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart; a disorder involving a restricted blood supply to the myocardium, which results in chest pain and restricted breathing. Angina pectoris also refers to a painful condition caused by temporary constriction of blood flow to the heart; a medical term for heart attacks or myocardial infarctions (or cardiac arrest). Chest pain is a common symptom.