Angina is chest pain when your heart doesn't get enough oxygenated blood.It is a sign that you are at risk of having a heart attack.If you have chest pain, seek medical attention immediately and talk to your doctor about ways of reducing it.
Step 1: If you are having a heart attack, call the emergency responders.
Angina can be a symptom of a heart attack.If you don't know if the chest pain is a heart attack, call the emergency responders.A squeezing feeling in your chest is one of the symptoms of angina.
Step 2: If you are a woman with abnormal symptoms, call the emergency responders.
Women have different symptoms when they have a heart attack.It is still a medical emergency if they don't have chest pain.Women are more likely to have: Nausea Difficulty breathing Abdominal discomfort Exhaustion Pain in the neck, jaw, or back with or without chest pain
Step 3: If you are having an angina attack, call the emergency medical responders.
Unstable angina is a sign of a heart attack.If you have a heart attack, you may need immediate treatment.Pain that is not alleviated by medication is a sign of unstable angina.If medication doesn't relieve angina within five minutes, call an ambulance.It gets worse when you are at rest and it's different from your previous episodes.
Step 4: If you have a stable angina, ask your doctor.
This is the most common type of angina.It is possible for your doctor to diagnose you with a stable angina if it is triggered by exercise, emotional stress, cold, smoking, or eating a heavy meal.
Step 5: Discuss the less common anginas with your doctor.
It is possible for your doctor to determine what the underlying cause of your angina is by determining whether you have these anginas.If you are pregnant, nursing, or think you might be, you should tell your doctor about it.Prinzmetal's angina occurs when your coronary arteries spasm.This reduces blood flow to your heart.It can happen even when you are inactive.It can be helped by drugs.It is an indication of coronary microvascular disease.Blood flow to the heart is restricted when the small coronary arteries spasm.The pain doesn't go away quickly.You may have trouble sleeping, have difficulty breathing, and feel tired.It could be triggered by stress.
Step 6: If your doctor suggests it, you should get more tests.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may request one or more of the following tests.Your doctor will attach metal electrodes to your body during the test.The machine will measure the electrical pulse of your heartbeat.The test does not hurt.A test.During this test, you will use a treadmill or bike to work out.Before you have an angina episode, this tells the doctor how much exercise your heart can handle.If you can't exercise because of your health condition, you may be given a medication that will make your heart beat faster.A stress test.This is similar to a stress test but the doctor will put a labeled substance into your bloodstream.This will allow the doctor to take pictures of your heart while you exercise.It is possible to determine what areas of your heart are not getting enough blood.An exam.This test creates an image of your heart.It can find damaged areas.This may be done by your doctor during a stress test.An x-ray.An x-ray shows your lungs and heart.The doctor can study the size and shape of your organs.It doesn't hurt.You may be asked to wear an apron to protect your reproductive organs.There are blood tests.If you have a heart attack, your doctor may want to take your blood and test it to see if there are any catalases in it.There is a CardiacCT Scan.X-rays are used to take pictures of your heart.The doctor can see if parts of your heart are enlarged or if you have narrowed arteries.You would be on a table during the test.A narcissistic procedure.The doctor would use a catheter.This is a small tube that would be inserted into your body through a vein.The catheter would go through the vein to the heart.The doctor could use x-rays to see where you might have blocked arteries if a dye was put into the catheter.
Step 7: Ask your doctor if you can use medications for symptom relief.
One commonly prescribed medication is nitroglycerin.It causes your blood vessels to dilate.Within three minutes, this will increase the blood flow to your heart and relieve your pain.If you are about to do something that may cause an angina episode, you should take this medication.It can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.You shouldn't drink alcohol with it.You shouldn't drive or operate machinery if it makes you dizzy.It can be taken as a pill or spray.
Step 8: If you want to prevent future episodes, use medications.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a number of different medications.The purpose of these medications is to prevent attacks over the long-term.It is important to tell your doctor about everything you take because some of these medications may interact with other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, or supplements.There are possible medicines.The medications make your heart beat slower.Cold hands and feet and fatigue are some of the side effects.Over-the-counter medications may interact with these medications.There are calcium channel blockers.The medications increase blood flow to your heart.The side effects usually stop after a few days.If you are on these medications, you should never drink grapefruit juice.Long-acting nitrates.The medications increase the blood flow to your heart.headaches andflushing are side effects.The medications can't be taken withViagra because they can lower your blood pressure too much.Ivabradine.Your heartbeat is slowed by this medication.It's often given to people who can't take beta-blockers.It may cause you to see bright flashes in your vision.Driving at night can be dangerous.There is a person named Nicorandil.The medication increases blood flow to your heart.People who can't take calcium channel blockers are prescribed them.dizziness, headaches, and feeling unwell are some of the side effects.There is azine.It doesn't affect the rhythm of your heart beat.It is often given to people with arrhythmias.Constipation, dizziness, and weakness are some of the side effects.
Step 9: You can reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes by taking medications.
People with angina are more likely to have a heart attack.Statins may be suggested by your doctor if this is the case for you.The drugs prevent your body from making cholesterol.This can reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes.Constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are some of the side effects.Aspirin.The platelets in your blood can form clot if they stick together.You are less likely to have heart attacks and strokes.People with stomach ulcers should not take aspirin.It can include irritation to your bicyle, indigestion, and feeling unwell.ACE is angiotensin-converting enzyme.The medications lower your blood pressure.This means that your heart doesn't have to work as hard.This medication may not be suitable for people with kidneys problems.dizziness, exhaustion, weakness, and coughing are some of the side effects.
Step 10: Discuss the topic of surgery with your doctor.
If medication doesn't help you, your doctor may recommend surgery or intervention.One of two procedures is used to treat angina.This procedure uses a piece of another blood vessel in the body to get the blood to the blocked arteries.If you have diabetes, have the main arteries blocked, or have obstructions in at least three arteries, this option is most likely to be recommended.Stable and unstable anginas can be treated with it.Recovery can take two to three months.There are procedures for angiosclerosis and stenting.A doctor puts a catheter into a narrow arteries.The balloon expands at the narrow point.A wire mesh is used to hold the arteries open.The catheter can be inserted through your groin, hand, or arm, making it easier to recover from it.Recovery is usually two weeks or less, but it has a higher chance of the arteries becoming blocked again.
Step 11: A low-fat diet will keep your arteries clear.
Trans fats are bad for your heart.Reduce your fat intake to 3 portions per day.A small amount of butter is what a serving is.It's possible to reduce your fat intake by checking the labels on food.Saturated fat and trans fat should be limited to 14 grams and 2 grams per day, respectively.This will help keep your arteries clear.Some packages don't say they have trans fats.Trans fats are likely to be found in those fats.Healthier fat sources include olive, canola, vegetable, and nut oils, avocados, nuts, seeds, trans fat free margarine, cholesterol lowering margarines and Smart Balance.Butter, bacon fat, gravy, cream sauces, nondairy creamers, hydrogenated margarine, shortening, cocoa butter, chocolate, coconut, palm, cottonseed, and palm kernel oils are fat sources to avoid.
Step 12: A low salt diet can lower the burden on your heart.
High blood pressure is caused by eating too much salt.You don't add table salt to your food.After a while, your body will adjust and you won't crave the salt.Don't eat pre-packaged or canned foods that have salt added.chips, pretzels, and salted nuts are included.These snacks can be replaced with an apple or carrot.
Step 13: Fruits and vegetables will satisfy your hunger.
Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and fiber.A heart healthy diet should include fruit and vegetables.Vegetables that are fresh or frozen are usually better for you.Fruits and vegetables that have salt added should be avoided.Don't eat vegetables that are fried or have sauces.Fruits and vegetables are easy to snack on.When you get hungry, try eating an apple, banana, cucumber, carrot, or pepper.
Step 14: Fatty meats should be swapped for lean meats.
Pork chops and steaks are very fat.Healthier alternatives are poultry and fish.You shouldn't eat more than 6 ounces of meat a day.Remove the fat and skin from your body.Change the way you cook.Instead of frying, try baking or grilling.
Step 15: You should cut calories from alcohol.
If you drink too much, you can increase your risk of being obese.If you drink a lot, quitting can cause you to lose weight.Stick to the guidelines when you drink.There is only one drink per day for women and men over the age of 65.Men under 65 drink one to two drinks per day.
Step 16: If you smoke, don't narrow your arteries.
Smoking and chewing tobacco can damage your arteries, making you more prone to angina, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.Talking to your doctor is one way to get help quitting.
Step 17: If your doctor says it is okay, you should exercise.
Don't start an exercise program without talking to your doctor to see if your heart can handle it.It can help you to lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol, and keep your arteries clear if your doctor gives you the go ahead.If you have an angina problem, talk to your doctor before you start exercising.If you want to exercise, your doctor may advise you to take medication and keep the exercise mild so that you don't have an attack.You may be able to increase the intensity of your workouts without an episode.Mild, low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or biking is what you should start with.As you get in shape, talk to your doctor about increasing your exercise program.Because angina can indicate a vulnerability to heart attacks, you should discuss your plans with your doctor so that you don't over stress your heart.
Step 18: Alternative medicine treatments can be dangerous.
The following alternative therapies are not recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care excellence in Britain.These treatments have not been shown to work for people with angina.The technique uses electrical stimulation to reduce pain.External counterpulsation has been enhanced.You put inflatable cuffs on parts of your body.The goal of inflating these cuffs is to improve the blood flow.