What is a common manifestation of myocardial ischemia?

Angina is a common manifestation of myocardial ischemia, which occurs when there is an imbalance between the oxygen supply and demand in the heart muscle. This lack of adequate blood flow to the myocardium can lead to pain or discomfort typically described as a squeezing, pressure, or heaviness in the chest. Angina may also radiate to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This symptom is crucial for identifying and diagnosing coronary artery disease and other related heart conditions.

In contrast, while shortness of breath can present in various cardiac conditions, it is not as specific to myocardial ischemia as angina. Peripheral edema and pulmonary congestion may arise in heart failure or fluid overload situations, reflecting different pathophysiological processes rather than direct signs of ischemia. Therefore, angina stands out as the hallmark symptom associated with myocardial ischemia, illustrating the compromised blood supply to the heart muscle.