Introduction
Angina pectoris, often called angina, is extreme discomfort in the chest, neck, or arm. This is caused by a lack of blood in the middle and thickest layer of the heart wall (myocardium). There are four types of angina:
Stable angina. Stable angina usually occurs in episodes of predictable frequency and duration. It is usually brought on by physical activity, stress, or excitement. Stable angina usually lasts a few minutes and can often be relieved by a medicine that you place under your tongue (sublingual). This medicine is called nitroglycerin.
Unstable angina. Unstable angina can occur even when you are doing little or no physical activity. It can even occur while you are sleeping or when you are at rest. It can suddenly increase …show more content…
Do not take the following medicines unless your health care provider approves:
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib.
Vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A, vitamin E, or both.
Hormone replacement therapy that contains estrogen with or without progestin.
Eating and drinking
Eat a heart-healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lowfat (lean) protein, and lowfat dairy products. Your health care provider may recommend that you work with a diet and nutrition specialist (registered dietitian) to educate you about healthy food choices.
Use healthy cooking methods such as roasting, grilling, broiling, baking, poaching, steaming, or stir-frying. Talk with a dietitian to learn more about healthy cooking methods.
Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
Activity
Follow an exercise program approved by your health care provider.
Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
When you feel fatigued, take a break. Plan rest periods if you know you are going to feel …show more content…
You have a lot of sweating without cause.
You have unexplained:
Heartburn or indigestion.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Nausea or vomiting.
Fatigue.
Feelings of nervousness or anxiety.
Weakness.
Diarrhea.
You have sudden light-headedness or dizziness.
You faint.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
Angina pectoris is extreme discomfort in the chest, neck, or arm that is caused by a lack of blood in the heart wall. Angina pectoris is caused by atherosclerosis.
There are four types of angina: stable, unstable, microvascular, and Prinzmetal or variant.
Symptoms of angina include chest pain, pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back, unexplained heartburn or indigestion, shortness of breath, nausea, and sudden cold sweats or light-headedness. Atypical symptoms are more common in women and include fatigue, nervousness or anxiety, weakness, dizziness, or fainting.
Angina may be treated with behavioral changes, medicine, angioplasty, angioplasty with stenting, or bypass