Angina is chest pain that occurs when blood supply to the heart is restricted.

There are two types of angina; stable and unstable

Stable  angina

Angina attacks that occur  occasionally due to clear triggers  e.g. exercise. This type of angina improves with medication and rest.

Unstable angina

More unpredictable angina attacks , occurring with no obvious trigger and continuing after rest.

A dull, heavy or tight pain in the chest that can sometimes spread to the arms, neck, jaw and back. The pain normally comes after physical  activity and typically lasts a few minutes.

Angina is mostly caused by atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of arteries as a result of a build-up of fatty substances known as plaque. This can restrict the blood supply to the heart and trigger the  symptoms of angina.

Risk factors for angina include:

• High blood pressure;
• A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol
• Lack of exercise;
• Smoking;
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes;
• Age and family history.

Treatment for angina aims to:

• Relieve symptoms during an angina  attack;
• Reduce the number of angina attacks;
• Reduce the risk of a heart  attack or stroke happening.

Treatment can be preventative medications such as calcium channel and beta blockers, anticoagulation medication etc, which reduces risks of heart attacks, or provide immediate relief with GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) which widens blood  vessels.

Stents and surgery are used if angina continues. 

If you are using GTN (glyceryl trinitrate)

• When using GTN always follow advice or guidance from the prescriber.
• You should keep your tablets or spray on you at all times. 
• If you are having an angina attack take 1 dose under the tongue (1  tablet or 1-2 sprays) and wait for 5 minutes.
• If pain continues take at second dose. 
• If pain has not subsided after another 5 mins, it is getting worse or you  feel unwell then call 999.

Healthy Lifestyle

Having a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way of reducing your risk  of angina and preventing your symptoms from getting worse.

Try to:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet;
• Avoid smoking;
• Reduce your alcohol intake, as  alcohol can increase your blood pressure;
• Take regular exercise as this will help keep your heart and blood vessels in good condition, help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure.

Myth 1: If I have angina, I will have a heart attack

Not true. If you are having angina symptoms then you may have coronary heart disease (narrowing of the blood vessels in your hear due to fatty deposits) and, therefore, your risk of having a heart attack is increased, but this does not mean it is inevitable. With lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, increasing activity, reducing your cholesterol can all help to reduce your risk.

Myth 2: Only older people have angina

Incorrect! While age does increase risk it does not mean younger people cannot develop angina. Having other risk factors such as a family history, diabetes and others can cause angina symptoms in younger people.

British Heart Foundation 

www.bhf.org.uk

Help Line: 0300 330 3311

Email: heretohelp@bhf.org.uk

A national charity providing information and advice for the public and for health professionals. A useful site containing lifestyle advice, support groups and the latest research and information about tests and treatments.

Heart UK

https://www.heartuk.org.uk/

National cholesterol charity providing support and advice for people concerned about cholesterol. Advice on healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight, including recipe ideas and diet plans.

NHS Live Well

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

NHS advice on topics such as eating well, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

NHS wellbeing app

https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/wellbeing-apps/

Links to NHS wellbeing Apps designed to support you in making healthy lifestyle changes.