Angina is described as discomfort or pain in the chest area which is typically brought about by coronary heart disease. In some individuals, the pain is felt in the neck, arm, jaw or stomach.
What are the indications?
Angina oftentimes feel as tightness or heaviness in the chest and this can radiate to the neck, arms, back, jaw or stomach as well. Some also experience a feeling of intense tightness while it is a dull ache in some. In addition, others experience shortness of breath as well.
If the angina worsens or feels different than before, becomes frequent or changed in any other way, a doctor should be consulted right away.
What must I do if chest pain occurs?
If an individual has not been diagnosed with angina and experiences chest pain, call for emergency assistance right away.
In case the individual has already been diagnosed with angina, he/she can suffer from pain or discomfort that can be managed using glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) tablets or sprays and getting enough rest. Nevertheless, it might be a heart attack if the following are present:
- Crushing pain, tightness or heaviness in the chest
- Pain in the throat, arm, jaw, neck, back or stomach
- Individual becomes sweaty, sick, lightheaded or short of breath
The following steps must be taken:
- The individual should stop any activity and sit down and rest.
- Provide the GTN tablets or sprays. The discomfort should alleviate within a few minutes, if it persists, a second dose should be taken.
- In case the pain does not subsides within a few minutes after the second dose, call for immediate assistance.
If the individual is not sensitive to aspirin, he/she can chew on one adult tablet. If there is no aspirin available or uncertain if he/she is allergic to aspirin, it is vital to rest until the ambulance arrives.
Preventive measures
It is sad to note that coronary artery disease that causes angina could not be reversed but you can delay the narrowing of the arteries with the following:
- For those who smoke, stop smoking.
- Cut down the cholesterol level.
- Control high blood pressure.
- Stay physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control the blood glucose level if diagnosed with diabetes
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet and limit the intake of alcohol
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on angina is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage circulatory issues including angina, register for a first aid and CPR course with Saskatoon First Aid.