Not all chest pains are angina. Some are due to muscular/rib pain. Infections within the lungs and of course indigestion can be felt in the chest too.
Angina is an uncomfortable feeling in the chest that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, face, back, stomach or even your teeth. It is sometimes described as a dull ache, heaviness or lightness.
Angina can be brought on by physical activity or cold weather. If you get an attack you should stop what you are doing and rest for a couple of minutes.
If you have a GTN (spray/tablets) take it and rest.
If the symptoms are still present after 5 minutes, repeat the GTN. If your symptoms settle, rest for at least 5 minutes.
If after 5 minutes the symptoms are still present and not settling repeat GTN spray again.
If your symptoms settle, rest for at least 5 minutes and report symptoms to your GP.
If the tightness / discomfort / pain does not settle during the next 5 minutes, dial 999.
Try to remain calm and relaxed.
What Causes Angina?
The heaviness or tightness is caused by the heart muscle becoming short or oxygen. There is much that can be done to reduce/relieve the symptoms of angina and to prevent the disease from getting worse. You need to adapt a lifestyle that will reduce the risk of further heart trouble.
What Can You Do?
- Give up Smoking
- Control High Blood Pressure
- Watch your Cholesterol
- Eat more Fruit and Vegetables
- Control your Weight
- Be More Physically active
- Reduce Stress