Angina Pectoris

Angina Pectoris is literally known as pain(angina) in the chest (pectoris). Mycardial Ischaemia is expressed symptomatically as angina.

More specifically angina is transient chest pain caused by myocardial ischaemia. It usually lasts for only few minutes (3-5 min) and commonly subsides when the precipitating factor is relieved. Typical exertional angina should not persist more than 20 minutes after rest and administration of nitroglycerine.

Causes

Extracardiac factors that may precipitate myocardial ischaemia and angina pain are

·        Physical exertion

·        Strong emotions

·        Consumption of heavy meal

·        Temperature extremes

·        Cigarette smoking

·        Sexual activity

·        Stimulants

·        Circadian rhythm

Clinical Manifestation

·        Chest pain

·        Non verbal indicators of pain, clutch , rub stroke

·        Increase or decrease of heart rate

·        Dysrhythmias

·        Increase or decrease in blood pressure

·        Angina

·        Dizziness, dysponea, nausea vomiting

Nursing interventions

·        Administration of oxygen

·        Determination of vital signs

·        12- lead ECG

·        Prompt pain relief first with a nitrate followed by narcotic analgesic if needed

·        Physical assessment of the chest

·        Comfortable positioning of the patient