Question

Define hypertension. Explain coronary artery disease and angina pectoris.

Answer 1

Hypertension: Persistently raised blood pressure higher than the normal is called hypertension.

i. Coronary artery disease:

1.  Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is also known as atherosclerosis. 
2. In this, calcium, fat cholesterol and fibrous tissues get deposited in blood vessels supplying blood to the heart muscles making the lumen narrow. 

ii. Angina pectoris: 

1. It is the pain in the chest resulting from a reduction in the blood supply to the cardiac muscles because of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis.
2. It is characterized by severe pain and heaviness in the chest. The pain may spread to the neck, lower jaw, left arm and left shoulder. The pain usually results from exertion, when there is more demand of oxygen by the heart, but the supply does not meet the requirement.