Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, suffered from angina pectoris. This was the illness that ultimately led to his passing.
Mark Twain's Final Illness
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, famously known by his pen name Mark Twain, died painlessly on April 21, 1910, at 6:30 in the evening. His cause of death was attributed to angina pectoris, a severe heart condition.
Understanding Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris, often simply called angina, is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. While not a heart attack itself, it is a warning sign of increased risk for one.
Key characteristics and common symptoms of angina include:
- Chest Pain: Often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or burning sensation in the chest.
- Radiating Pain: Discomfort can spread to the arms (especially the left), neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless can accompany the chest pain.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness.
- Nausea and Sweating: Other associated symptoms.
For more detailed information on angina, you can consult reliable medical resources such as the Mayo Clinic's guide on Angina.
The Legacy of Samuel Langhorne Clemens
Mark Twain, a towering figure in American literature, left an indelible mark with works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His death from angina pectoris brought an end to the life of one of the world's most beloved humorists and satirists, but his literary contributions continue to resonate globally.
