Angina Dictionary

pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, or heart lining.

plaques: A hardened accumulation of substances originating in body fluids, such as a cholesterol plaque that forms from cholesterol in the blood.

pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that surround the lungs. Also called pleuritis.

pleuritis: Inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that surround the lungs. Also called pleurisy.

Prinzmetal's angina: Chest pain caused by a coronary artery spasm. Prinzmetal's angina can be triggered by emotional stress, exposure to cold, certain medications and street drug use.

pulmonary: Of or related to the lungs.

REM sleep: Rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep) is the sleep phase in which dreaming occurs.

silent angina: A form of angina where symptoms are not present. Silent angina may cause difficulty breathing or jaw pain.

silent ischemia: Another term for silent angina.

spasm: A sudden jerking motion that can affect muscles, blood vessels or other organs.

stable angina: Angina that occurs due to emotional extremes or physical exertion, which are considered the two classic triggers of angina.

stenocardia: An alternative name for angina pectoris.

stroke: A loss of blood supply to the brain, usually resulting in permanent brain damage.

sublingual: Under the tongue. Many angina medications are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and are absorbed into the body.