What does the term "mixed angina" refer to?

Mixed angina refers to a condition where chest pain or discomfort occurs as a result of both increased myocardial oxygen demand and decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This typically happens in various situations, such as physical exertion or stress that raises the heart's oxygen requirement, combined with underlying conditions that reduce blood flow, like coronary artery disease or significant atherosclerosis.

Understanding mixed angina is important for clinical practice because it informs the approach to treatment, which may involve both managing the triggers that increase demand and improving the oxygen supply through medications or interventions. Conditions that contribute to this type of angina can fluctuate, leading to the occurrence of symptoms in varying scenarios. Thus, recognizing that mixed angina involves both elements is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.