Angina
Common ConditionChest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often a warning sign of underlying coronary artery disease and heart attack risk.
Symptoms
Causes
Treatments
Seek emergency care immediately if chest pain lasts more than a few minutes, doesn't respond to nitroglycerin, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea—this could be a heart attack.
Find a Specialist NowAbout Angina
Angina: Your Heart's Warning Signal
Angina is chest pain that occurs when your heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It's an important warning sign of coronary artery disease and heart attack risk.
Types of Angina
Stable Angina: Predictable pattern, occurs with exertion, goes away with rest or nitroglycerin.
Unstable Angina: A medical emergency—occurs unexpectedly, even at rest, and doesn't respond well to nitroglycerin.
Variant (Prinzmetal's) Angina: Caused by coronary artery spasm, often occurs at rest.
How Angina Feels
Classic angina is described as:
- Pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest
- Pain spreading to shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw
- Sensation like an elephant sitting on the chest
Living with Angina
Know Your Pattern: Understand what triggers your angina and how it typically feels.
Carry Nitroglycerin: Always have it with you. Take one tablet under the tongue, wait 5 minutes. If not relieved after three doses, call emergency services.
Pace Activities: Plan activities, rest between tasks, avoid sudden exertion.
Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques, get adequate sleep.
"Ang kirot sa dibdib ay pagsasabi ng puso na kailangan niya ng tulong." (Chest pain is the heart's way of saying it needs help.)
