What is the hearts collateral circulation?
A heart attack isn’t the only result of coronary artery disease. Chest pain called angina pectoris also can occur. Angina is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischemia, which occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) doesn’t get as much blood (hence as much oxygen) as it needs for a given level of work. Lack of blood supply is called ischemia. Angina pectoris can occur when blood circulation to the heart is sufficient for normal needs but inadequate when the heart’s needs increase, such as during physical exertion or emotional excitement. Running to catch a bus, for example, could trigger an attack of angina while walking to a bus stop might not. Some people, such as those with a coronary artery spasm, may have angina when they’re resting. Angina can be a warning sign that someone is at risk of heart attack.
