Angina

What is it?

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Angina can feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or pain in the chest, and it may also spread to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back.

What can I do?

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopt heart-healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium; maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; managing stress; and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Medication Adherence: Take medications as prescribed by your doctor, including antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and statins, to help manage angina symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
3. Monitoring: Keep track of your angina symptoms, triggers, and any changes in their frequency or severity. This information can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Common Medical Treatments

1. Nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerin tablets or sprays can help relieve angina symptoms by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart. It is often used as needed during episodes of angina.
2. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce the workload on your heart, lower blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and manage other conditions such as diabetes.
3. Revascularisation Procedures: In some cases, procedures such as angioplasty (to open narrowed or blocked arteries) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

It is important to consult your doctor if you experience:

• New or worsening chest pain or discomfort, especially if it is severe, prolonged, or occurs with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness.
• Changes in the pattern, frequency, or severity of your angina symptoms.
• Side effects or adverse reactions to medications.
• Any concerns or questions about your condition or treatment plan.

Remember:

Angina is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention and ongoing management. By making lifestyle changes, adhering to medication regimens, and working closely with your healthcare team, you can better control angina symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and recommendations.