Angina: What It Is, Symptoms & How to Treat It

Angina is a warning sign that your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. Most people feel it as a pressure or squeezing in the chest, but it can show up in the arms, jaw, or back. It’s not an emergency like a heart attack, yet it still needs attention. If you ignore it, the condition can get worse and lead to serious heart problems.

Common Signs of Angina

The classic symptom is a dull, heavy feeling in the center of the chest. It often starts when you walk uphill, climb stairs, or feel stressed. The pain may spread to your shoulders, neck, or even your teeth. Some folks say they get shortness of breath, nausea, or a light‑headed feeling along with the chest pressure.

Typical episodes last a few minutes and go away when you rest or take medication. If the pain lasts longer than five minutes, gets worse, or doesn’t improve with rest, call emergency services – that could be a heart attack, not just angina.

Women sometimes notice less chest pain and more fatigue, indigestion, or unexplained sweating. Knowing these subtle clues can help you catch angina early.

Managing Angina: Lifestyle & Meds

First step is to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They’ll likely run an ECG, stress test, or imaging to see how your heart is doing. Once confirmed, treatment usually combines medicine and lifestyle changes.

Medications often include nitrates (like nitroglycerin) to widen blood vessels, beta‑blockers to lower heart rate, and calcium‑channel blockers to relax the heart muscle. Your doctor may also prescribe aspirin to keep blood thin and statins to lower cholesterol.

Living healthier makes a huge difference. Quit smoking – even a few cigarettes a day can tighten arteries. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Cut back on salty, fried, and sugary foods that raise blood pressure and cholesterol.

Exercise is key, but start slow. Walking for 15‑20 minutes a day, three times a week, can improve circulation without overloading the heart. If you feel chest pain while exercising, stop, rest, and note what triggered it – that information helps your doctor adjust treatment.

Stress management matters too. Simple habits like deep breathing, meditation, or short breaks during a hectic day can lower heart strain. Keep a log of your symptoms, activities, and meds; it helps you see patterns and lets your doctor fine‑tune your plan.

Regular check‑ups are a must. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar numbers guide whether you need new meds or dosage changes. If symptoms change or new problems appear, call your doctor right away.

In short, angina tells you your heart needs help. By recognizing the signs, taking prescribed meds, and adopting heart‑friendly habits, you can keep the pain under control and reduce the risk of a heart attack. It’s not a battle you have to fight alone – your doctor, family, and simple daily choices are on your side.