Heart attack Angina Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)

Angina is the name for the symptoms experienced when your heart muscle is not

getting enough blood, and therefore oxygen, to meet its requirements. This usually occurs when "fatty deposits" (atheroma) are laid down in the lining of the coronary artery, narrowing them, and reducing the flow of blood to your heart muscle. Angina does not damage your heart muscle.

 

Symptoms of angina

 

Angina can often be brought on by physical exertion or emotional stress.

 

Angina is commonly described as a discomfort, ache, tightness, heaviness, pressure or burning sensation around the chest area. It is not always a pain.

 

Angina is often but not always felt across the chest. You may have pain or discomfort in the neck or throat or down one or both arms. This may be in addition to chest pain or discomfort, or these may be your only symptoms of angina.

 

Angina may feel like indigestion and be experienced in the upper part of the abdomen.

 

Please record any time you experience symptoms or use your GTN Spray using the download below:

 

 

Treatment

 

Angina can usually be relieved by Glyceryl Tri-Nitrate (GTN) spray which relaxes your coronary arteries and lets the blood flow to the heart more easily.

 

 

Stable angina

 

Stable angina is angina that predictably comes on with a particular amount of exercise or stress. Sometimes medication can be used to help control stable angina symptoms.

 

Unstable angina

 

Unstable angina is angina that has developed for the first time, or stable angina which has become more severe or more frequent. Angina that occurs at rest is unstable angina. If you experience angina symptoms at rest, even if they are relieved by GTN spray, you should make an urgent appointment to see your GP.

 

How do I know if I have angina?

 

The symptoms of angina vary for each person. While it is important that you never ignore chest pain or discomfort remember that there are many causes of chest pain or discomfort and not all of them are related to your heart.

 

For example, indigestion, muscular aches, tension and anxiety can all give symptoms of chest pain or discomfort.

 

 

It is unlikely to be angina if;

• It changes when you move position.
• The area is tender to touch.
• It is aggravated by your breathing.
• It is relieved by burping.
• It only lasts a few seconds.

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If you think you are experiencing symptoms of angina

 

Sit down if possible. (If you have been exercising, keep your feet moving).

Try taking a couple of slow, slightly deeper than normal breaths and try to relax.

If after 2 – 3 minutes you still have symptoms (however mild) put one spray of your GTN under your tongue.

Wait 5 minutes. If the symptoms don't ease off take one spray of your GTN spray a third time.

If after 15 minutes you have had no relief from your GTN spray and you still have the symptoms you must dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

DON’T DELAY If you think you’re having another cardiac event dial 999.

 

 

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