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Angina Symptoms
by Kathryn Schleich
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The American Heart Association (AMA) estimates that over 10,200,000 people in the United States suffer from Angina. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers this definition of unstable angina: Atherosclerosis is the build up of plaque (a fatty material) along the walls of the arteries. This causes the arteries to become less flexible and narrow, interrupting blood flow and the flow of oxygen to the heart. That interruption in blood flow to the heart also causes chest pain. Unstable angina is chest pain that is sudden and gets increasingly worse. Common symptoms include the following: heaviness, tightness, and/or pressure in the chest, neck, jaws, arms, or between the shoulder blades.
If nitroglycerine has been prescribed and the pain lasts for more than two minutes, take nitroglycerine by placing a single tablet under the tongue. Sit or lie down before taking the nitroglycerine, and if the pain is not relieved within 5 minutes, take a second nitroglycerine tablet. If 5 more minutes pass and the angina is still not relieved, take a third nitroglycerine tablet. If the angina is not relieved within 15 minutes, seek emergency assistance and call 911.
In the event nitroglycerin has not been prescribed, and the onset of angina persists more than 10-15 minutes, call 9-1-1. If you develop symptoms of intolerance to exercise or activity, stop and rest. Listen to your body’s signals and take appropriate action. If you experience new symptoms or an increase in the frequency or intensity of symptoms, contact your primary care physician. In the event your symptoms last longer than 10-15 minutes call 9-1-1.
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of angina and know what to do. Some of the most common symptoms of angina are listed here. Shortness of breath is difficult or labored breathing which lasts more than 15 minutes. A rapid heart rate, palpitations, or irregular pulse is a pounding, skipping, or fluttering sensation of the heart that again lasts more than 15 minutes. Other symptoms some people experience are dizziness, or a feeling of lightheadedness which lasts for more than a few minutes. If you find that you’re having an increase in perspiration or are cool and clammy to the touch with minimal activity, again call 9-1-1.
Persistent nausea or vomiting that occurs during or after exercise and are relieved with rest are again symptoms that need to be addressed. Another symptom of angina is a persistent feeling or weakness or decreased energy level, a feeling of chronic fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, the most important thing you can do is to stop whatever activity you’re involved in and rest. If you have been prescribed nitroglycerine, you should be familiar with how to take it and at what intervals. If, by the third dose the angina is not relieved, get emergency assistance.
An avid believer in exercise and healthy eating, Kathryn Schleich experienced a serious heart attack in 2009 at the age of 51. Through that experience she has made it her mission to educate heart attack and stroke survivors, suffers of angina, and those wishing to maintain or lose weight.
Kathryn Schleich © 2010
10220 Country Club Curve
Woodbury, MN 55129
kathrynschlei777@yahoo.com
