clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

Angina is often a clinical diagnosis:

  • atypical presentation is frequently seen in women than in men, in older patients than in younger patients and in patients with diabetes (1)

  • angina is typically a tight, dull or heavy discomfort often seen retrosternally or left side of the chest (2)
  • the pain is usually not sharp or stabbing in character and is not influenced by respiration or relieved by antacids and simple analgesia (2)
  • there is usually some association with exertion or emotional stress; rest brings relief within a few minutes:
    • discomfort may radiate to arms, neck, jaw or back (2)
  • additional precipitants include:
    • cold weather
    • heavy meals
    • emotion (3)
  • nitrates typically offer rapid relief (3)
  • pain may be associated with atypical symptoms such as fatigue or faintness, nausea, burping, restlessness or a sense of impending doom (3). These atypical symptoma are more likely to be seen in women, older patients and in diabetic patients (1)

The clinical examination is often normal in a patient complaining of angina. There may be signs of conditions which accelerate atherosclerosis:

  • there may be signs of conditions which precipitate angina
    • anaemia - pallor
    • thyrotoxicosis - resting tachycardia, tremor, and goitre (1)
  • hypertension:
    • the blood pressure should be documented
    • displaced apex beat and fourth heart sound if there is left ventricular hypertrophy
  • hypercholesterolaemia:
    • xanthelasma and xanthoma
  • smoking:
    • nicotine stains
  • diabetes:
    • retinopathy
    • neuropathy

Reference: