Experiences with
AnginaSymptoms of angina
The main symptom of angina is chest pain.
Chest pain caused by angina usually:
- feels tight, dull or heavy – it may spread to your arms, neck, jaw or back
- is triggered by physical exertion or stress
- stops within a few minutes of resting
Sometimes there might be other symptoms, like feeling sick or breathless.
Treatment for angina
You'll probably need to take several different medicines for the rest of your life.
You may be given medicine to:
- treat attacks when they happen (only taken when needed)
- prevent further attacks
- reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes
If medicines are not suitable or do not help, an operation to improve blood flow to your heart muscles may be recommended.
Living with angina
If it's well controlled, there's no reason why you cannot have a largely normal life with angina.
You can usually continue to do most of your normal activities.
You'll probably need to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- having a balanced diet
- cutting down on alcohol
- stopping smoking if you smoke
- losing weight if you're overweight
- exercising regularly – gentle exercises are usually safe
This can help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Causes of angina
Angina is usually caused by the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles becoming narrowed by a build-up of fatty substances.
This is called atherosclerosis.
Things that can increase your risk of atherosclerosis include:
- an unhealthy diet
- a lack of exercise
- smoking
- increasing age
- a family history of atherosclerosis or heart problems
Angina can also be caused by other conditions affecting the heart and arteries.
SymptomsMedical treatmentsCausesThe main symptom of angina is a tight, dull or heavy pain in your chest.
The main treatments for angina are medicines to treat angina attacks when they happen and prevent further attacks. Some people may need surgery.
Angina is usually caused by the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles becoming narrowed by a build-up of fatty substances.
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