Angina

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Angina is the chest pain, pressure, or feeling of tightness you feel when your heart does not get enough oxygen. Angina can be a warning sign that you are at risk for a heart attack.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Nitroglycerin: This medicine opens the arteries to your heart so it gets more oxygen. If you are taking nitroglycerin medicine, you should not take certain drugs. Some drugs used to treat certain sexual or impotence problems may interact with nitroglycerin.
  
  
• Heart medicines: You may be treated with medicine that helps blood flow better through your heart. You may also need medicine so your heart does not work too hard. Some medicines may keep you from having spasms in your coronary arteries. Heart medicine may decrease how often you have angina, how long it lasts, and the amount of pain you have.
  
  
• Antiplatelet medicine: Your primary healthcare provider (PHP) may have you take aspirin or other medicines to prevent blood clots in your coronary arteries. These medicines may increase your risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding. Ask your PHP for more information on the risks of these medicines.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits. Keep a diary or a calendar with details about your angina. Bring this with you every time you see your PHP or cardiologist. Write down the following:

• What the pain feels like: Record if your pain or pressure feels dull, sharp, stabbing, squeezing, crushing, or heavy.
  
  
• Where it is: Write down if your pain and discomfort stays in only one place, or travels to somewhere else, such as to your arm.
  
  
• How often it happens: Record how often your pain or discomfort happens and how long it lasts.
  
  
• What triggers the pain: Keep track of what you were doing when the pain began. For example, it may have begun during exercise, after a heavy meal, or when you were upset. Write down if the pain wakes you from sleep. Write down if the pain is worse when you cough, bend over, or take a deep breath.
  
  
• What makes the pain go away: Rest may help your pain go away. Write down if nitroglycerin, an antacid, or an over-the-counter pain reliever makes your symptoms go away.

Activity:

• Exercise: Talk to your PHP before you start to exercise. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy.
  
  
• Triggers: Pay attention to your symptoms and find out what seems to make your angina worse. Avoid activities that trigger an angina attack.
  
  
• Sex: You may have sex when you feel ready, unless your PHP tells you not to. Do not have sex if you are tired or if you have just eaten a big meal. Do not have sex if the room temperature is too cold or too hot. If you get chest pain during sex, stop. Talk to your PHP if you have questions or concerns.

Manage angina:

• Maintain a healthy weight: When you weigh more than is healthy for you, your heart must work harder. You are at higher risk for serious health problems. Talk to your PHP about a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
  
  
• Eat healthy foods: Ask if you should be on a special diet. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat. Foods high in salt include smoked meats (such as ham and bacon), cheese, canned and frozen foods, and butter and margarine. Read all labels carefully. Learn to use fresh herbs, spices, or salt substitutes to add flavor to your food.
  
  
• Limit alcohol: Talk to your PHP about how much alcohol you can safely drink.
  
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking can further damage your heart, as well as your blood and lungs. With time, this can cause a stroke or a heart attack. It is very important to stop smoking.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist if:

• Your skin is itchy or you get a rash.
  
  
• Your angina is happening more frequently, lasting longer, or causing worse pain.
  
  
• You are dizzy or nauseated after you take your medicine.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing while resting.
  
  
• You have new or worse swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  
• You are bleeding from your gums or nose, or have blood in your urine or bowel movement.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your medicine, condition, or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Call 911 or an ambulance if you have any signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Discomfort in the center of your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain, that lasts for more than a few minutes or keeps returning
    
    
  • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or one or both of your arms
    
    
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
    
    
  • Having trouble breathing
    
    
  • A sudden cold sweat, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
    
    
  • Feeling very lightheaded or dizzy, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
  
  
• You have chest pain that does not go away after you take medicine as directed.
  
  
• You lose feeling in your face, arms or legs, or suddenly feel weak.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Angina (Aftercare Instructions)