Living With Angina
Angina isn't a
heart
attack, but it does mean that you're at greater risk of having a heart
attack than someone who doesn't have angina. The risk is even higher if you
have unstable angina. For these reasons, it's important that you know:
- The usual pattern of your angina, if you have it
regularly.
- What medicines you take (keep a list) and how to
take them. Make sure you're medicines are readily available.
- How to control your angina.
- The limits of your physical activity.
- How and when to seek medical attention.
Know the Pattern of Your Angina
Stable angina usually occurs in a pattern. You
should know:
- What causes the pain to occur
- What angina pain feels like
- How long the pain usually lasts
- Whether rest or medicine relieves the pain
After several episodes, you will learn to recognize
when you're having angina. It's important for you to notice if the pattern
starts to change. Pattern changes may include angina that occurs more often,
lasts longer, is more severe, occurs without exertion, or doesn't go away with
rest or medicines.
These changes may be a sign that your symptoms are
getting worse or becoming unstable. You should seek medical help. Unstable
angina suggests that you're at high risk for a heart attack very soon.
Know Your Medicines
You should know what medicines you're taking, the
purpose of each, how and when to take them, and possible side effects. It's
very important that you know exactly when and how to take fast-acting
nitroglycerin or other nitrates to relieve chest pain.
It's also important to know how to correctly store
your angina medicines and when to replace them. Your doctor can advise you on
this.
If you have side effects from your medicines, let
your doctor know. You should never stop taking your medicines without your
doctor's approval.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or
concerns about taking your angina medicines. Tell him or her about any other
medicines you might be taking. Some medicines can cause serious problems if
they're taken with nitrates or other angina medicines.
Know How To Control Your Angina
After several episodes, you will know the level of
activity, stress, and other factors that can bring on your angina. By knowing
this, you can take steps to prevent or lessen the severity of episodes.
Physical Activity
Know what level of activity brings on your angina
and try to stop and rest before chest pain starts. For example, if walking up a
flight of stairs leads to chest pain, then stop halfway and rest before
continuing.
When chest pain occurs during exertion, stop and
rest or take your angina medicine. The pain should go away in a few minutes. If
the pain doesn't go away or lasts longer than usual, call 911 for
emergency care.
Emotional Stress
Anger, arguing, and worrying are examples of
emotional stress that can bring on an angina episode. Try to avoid or limit
situations that cause these emotions.
Exercise and relaxation can help relieve stress.
Alcohol and drug use play a part in causing stress and don't relieve it. If
stress is a problem for you, talk with your doctor about getting help for it.
Eating Large Meals
If this leads to chest pain, eat smaller meals.
Also, avoid eating rich foods.
Know the Limits of Your Physical Activity
Most people with stable angina can continue their
normal activities. This includes work, hobbies, and sexual relations. However,
if you do very strenuous activities or have a stressful job, talk to your
doctor.
Know How and When To Seek Medical Attention
If you have angina, you're at a higher risk for a
heart attack than someone who doesn't have angina. So it's very important that
you and your family know how and when to seek medical attention.
Talk to your doctor about making an emergency action
plan. The plan should include making sure you and your family members know:
- The
signs
and symptoms of a heart attack
- How to use aspirin and nitroglycerin when
needed
- How to access emergency medical services in your
community
- The location of the nearest hospital that offers
24-hour emergency heart care
Be sure to discuss your emergency plan with your
family members. Take action quickly if your chest pain becomes severe, lasts
longer than a few minutes, or isn't relieved by rest or medicine.
Sometimes, it may be difficult to tell the
difference between unstable angina and a heart attack. Either way, it's an
emergency situation, and you should call 911 right away. |