Angina Pectoris

What is Angina?

• When angina occurs part of the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood and oxygen to meet the immediate need.
• This decrease in blood and oxygen is temporary and usually due to a narrowing in a coronary artery or coronary artery spasm.
• The symptoms usually last a short time, less than 15 minutes
• No permanent damage occurs
• Common causes include:
  • Exertion
  • Emotional stress
  • Eating a heavy meal
  • Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
• New symptoms of angina can be a warning of coronary artery disease and should not be ignored.

What Symptoms Can Occur With Angina?

• Burning in throat
• Indigestion type symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort, pressure, tightness, squeezing
• Chest discomfort, which may radiate to right or left arm or shoulder
• Back, neck or jaw pain

What Should Be Done When Experiencing Symptoms of Angina?

• Rest: stop activity and sit or lie down.
• Take nitroglycerin (NTG) if and as prescribed by the doctor.
• Notify the doctor if angina is a new symptom or there is a change in an existing angina pattern.
• Call 911 if the symptoms do not subside in 15 minutes.