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Angina

What is angina?

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

What does angina feel like?

Angina usually feels like a heaviness or tightness in your chest which may spread to your arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Some people say that it feels like a severe tightness, while others say it’s more like a dull ache. Some people also experience shortness of breath.

Angina is often brought on by physical activity or an emotional upset, cold weather and 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 by keeping your heart healthy you can help to prevent the condition and your angina from getting worse. It is important to:

Some medicines can also help to prevent angina episodes.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose whether you have angina from your symptoms that you describe. He or she may want to carry out a health check or send you for some tests.

There is medication that can help to control your symptoms and living a healthy lifestyle is very important. Some people will need treatments, such as angioplasty or heart bypass surgery.

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 need to make.

What to do if you get chest pain

If you have not been diagnosed with heart disease and have chest pain, call 999 now.

This information is for you if you have already been diagnosed with coronary heart disease and have a GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) spray or tablets.

Sometimes you may experience pain or discomfort. Often this will be angina that you can manage at home with your GTN, but it could be a heart attack. Here’s what to do if you feel:

  • A crushing pain, heaviness or tightness in your chest, or
  • A pain in your arm, throat, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
  • You might also become sweaty, feel light-headed, sick or short of breath at the same time.
  1. Stop what you are doing or 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 and there’s one easily available, chew an adult tablet (300mg). If you don’t have an aspirin next to you or you’re not sure if you’re allergic to aspirin, rest until the ambulance arrives.

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

 

Where can I find more information?

You can order or download our booklet on Angina or for the South Asian community Angina and what you can do about it.

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If you'd like to talk to someone about heart health issues please call <b>0300 330 3311</b>.

If you'd like to talk to someone about heart health issues please call <b>0300 330 3311</b>.
If you'd like to talk to someone about heart health issues please call 0300 330 3311.
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Angina booklets

Angina booklets
Our booklets explain what angina is, its diagnosis, management and treatment.
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Join our free Heart Matters service for advice on looking after your heart.

Join our free Heart Matters service for advice on looking after your heart.
Join our free Heart Matters service for advice on looking after your heart.
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