Angina
Angina is an uncomfortable feeling in the chest, usually a dull persistent ache.
The centre of the chest usually feels heavy or tight and this may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Indeed, the feeling may only affect these areas and not the chest at all. Symptoms normally fade within 10-15 minutes.
Angina may be triggered by physical activity or emotional upset and attacks often happen whilst walking, particularly following a heavy meal or on a cold day or even while resting or sleeping.
If you have suffered from an angina attack it is important to contact your GP and they can refer you to one of our cardiology consultants.
The Kings Oak Hospital and The Garden Hospital both offer cardiology facilities.
- What are the symptoms of Angina?
The primary symptom of Angina is chronic chest pains, particularly after physical exertion. Should you notice this on a regular basis, it is advisable to immediately visit your GP for further examination.
- What are the causes of Angina?
Angina is caused by fatty deposits clogging your coronary arteries in a process called atherosclerosis, which can be traced back primarily but not exclusively to heart valve disease, anaemia, abnormal heart beats, diseases of the heart, or cramping of the coronary arteries.
- What treatments are available for Angina?
There are many ways to treat angina, the first of which should begin with you. Give up smoking, attain a healthy Body Mass Index, eat fruit and vegetables, eat oily fish, drink less alcohol, and take regular exercise.
While further short term treatments include aspirin, and heparin, these are only short term and eventually a long term prescription or even surgery may be needed.
- What precautions should be taken in order to avoid an Angina attack?
Give up smoking, attain a healthy Body Mass Index, eat fruit and vegetables, eat oily fish, drink less alcohol, and take regular exercise. If you are worried about chest pains, go and see your GP.
