Final answer:
Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by inadequate oxygen to the heart muscle, and can cause additional symptoms like shortness of breath and nausea. It is a sign of underlying coronary artery disease and requires medical treatment to manage both the symptoms and the condition causing it. Both men and women can experience angina, but may describe their symptoms differently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary artery disease (CAD). The chest pain occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood, leading to a feeling of pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest. This pain may radiate to other areas including the arms (often the left arm), neck, jaw, back, or stomach. Other symptoms of angina may include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and dizziness. Both men and women experience angina pectoris, although they may report different symptoms. It's important to note that some individuals with coronary heart disease may not exhibit any symptoms, which could lead to undiagnosed conditions until a more severe event such as a heart attack occurs.
Management of angina includes both treating the acute pain and addressing the underlying cause, which is often atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Treatments may vary from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical procedures in more severe cases.