How to prevent angina and what to do if you experience chest pain
Written by:
Cardiologist
Published: 05/07/2017
Edited by: Kate Forristal
Angina is chest pain which happens when the blood supply to the heart becomes restricted because the arteries supplying the heart have become hardened and narrowed. This is often a result of coronary heart disease. An angina attack normally occurs after physical activity or stress and usually subsides after a few minutes. Advanced age, smoking and obesity all increase your risk of developing angina.
What can I do to prevent angina?
Coronary heart disease, which causes angina, is irreversible but there are steps you can take which can prevent, or at least delay your arteries from narrowing:
• Stop smoking
• Be physically active
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Control blood glucose if you are diabetic
• Reduce cholesterol
• Cut down on alcohol
• Control high blood pressure
What should I do if I get chest pain?
Call the emergency services for an ambulance if you experience chest pain and you haven’t previously been diagnosed with a heart problem.
If you have previously experienced an angina attack and have been diagnosed, take the medication prescribed to you by your doctor ( often glyceryl trinitrate). A second dose can be taken after five minutes if the first has no effect.
Call an ambulance immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as it could be a heart attack:
• Your chest still hurts after two doses of medication
• Your chest pain is accompanied by a pain in your arm, throat, neck, jaw, back or stomach
• You become sweaty, feel light-headed, nauseous or feel short of breath
Living with angina
Many people continue to live perfectly normal lives once diagnosed with angina. Especially if they have stable angina (when attacks are brought on by an obvious trigger, such as exercise). Stable angina poses increased risks of a heart attack and a stroke but isn’t life-threatening on its own. Your doctor will advise you of any changes which you need to make. A healthy, active lifestyle is essential to stop the condition from getting any worse.
If you have had an angina attack you should seek medical advice from your GP who may refer you to a specialist cardiologist.