Conditions

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Angina

Elizabeth's story
Elizabeth Scarr had already suffered one heart attack, and when she began to experience neck and shoulder pain some time later, was diagnosed with unstable angina and admitted to hospital. Her medical history has become part of a massive database of over 100,000 patients that helps improve treatment for heart disease sufferers all over the world.

Angina is a pain or discomfort felt in the chest, and usually caused by coronary heart disease. However, in some cases the pain may affect some people in only the arm, neck, stomach or jaw.

What does angina feel like?

Angina often feels like a heaviness or tightness in your chest, but this may spread to your arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach as well. Some people describe the feeling of severe tightness, while others say it’s more of a dull ache. 

Symptoms of experiencing shortness of breath have been reported too.

Angina is often brought on by physical activity, an emotional upset, cold weather or after a meal. Symptoms usually subside after a few minutes.

If your symptom pattern changes, you should speak to your doctor immediately.

Can I prevent angina?

Unfortunately you can’t reverse coronary heart disease, but you can help prevent your angina and the condition from getting worse by keeping your heart healthy. It is important to:

Some medications can also be used to help prevent angina episodes.

How is angina diagnosed and treated?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose whether you have angina from the symptoms that you describe. Alternatively, they may want to carry out a health check or send you for some tests.

There is medication available too that can help control your symptoms, whereas some people require treatments such as angioplasty or heart bypass surgery. Living a healthy lifestyle is a very important part of your treatment too.

Everyday life with angina

Many people with angina have a good quality of life and continue with their normal daily activities. Your doctor or nurse will be able to advise you on your daily activity and any lifestyle changes you may need to make.

What should I do if I get chest pain?

If you have not been diagnosed with heart disease and experience chest pains, call 999 immediately. The below information is for you if you have already been diagnosed with coronary heart disease and have a glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray or tablets. Sometimes you may experience pain or discomfort and often this will be angina that you can manage at home with your GTN. However, it could be a heart attack. Here’s what to do if you feel:
  • A crushing pain, heaviness or tightness in your chest.
  • A pain in your arm, throat, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
  • You may also become sweaty, feel light-headed, sick or become short of breath.
  1. Stop what you are doing and sit down and rest.
  2. Take your GTN spray and tablets, according to your doctor or nurse’s instructions. The pain should ease within a few minutes – if it doesn’t, take a second dose.
  3. If the pain does not ease within a few minutes after your second dose, call 999 immediately.
  4. If you’re not allergic to aspirin, chew one adult tablet (300mg). If you don’t have any aspirin or you are not sure if you're allergic to aspirin, you should rest until the ambulance arrives.

Even if your symptoms don’t match the above but you suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 999 immediately.