Angina Pectoris
What is Angina Pectoris?
A temporary decrease in blood supply to the heart can cause discomfort known as Angina Pectoris pectoris or simply, Angina Pectoris. Angina Pectoris is not a heart attack, but it is a common symptom of coronary artery disease.
Symptoms of Angina Pectoris
When you have Angina Pectoris, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Pressure, tightness or squeezing sensation in the chest, back, arms, neck or shoulders
- Indigestion or a feeling of uneasy fullness
- Burning or aching in the throat; jaw or chest
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and arms
- Shortness of breath.
The symptoms of Angina Pectoris are varied. The amount of discomfort you feel may range from mild to severe. The discomfort can be in any one or in a combination of chest, back, arms, neck or shoulder areas.
Why does Angina Pectoris occur?
Angina Pectoris usually occurs when the heart’s demand for oxygen-rich blood is increased and blocked arteries cannot provide enough blood to meet the increased demand. This commonly occurs during or shortly after exercise, physical exertion, an exciting or particularly stressful event, a large meal or exposure to cold weather. But Angina Pectoris can also occur while you are resting.
Managing Angina Pectoris
Sometimes medication, rest or making changes in your activities can control or relieve Angina Pectoris. If these methods do not work, surgery may be needed.
Immediate Measures
- Stop what you are doing
- Sit or lie down
- Take nitro-glycerine tablets prescribed by your doctor.
- See your Doctor
If Angina Pectoris is not relieved in five to ten minutes, get to your doctor as soon as possible.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery usually relieves Angina Pectoris, but there is always the possibility that Angina Pectoris will occur again after surgery if one of the grafts become blocked or if another coronary artery becomes diseased.
Angina Pectoris and Heart Attack
Angina Pectoris is not a heart attack. Permanent damage to heart muscle does not result from Angina Pectoris.
On the other hand, Angina Pectoris is a sign that someone is at increased risk of heart attack.
Usually there is a pattern to Angina Pectoris. It occurs on exertion (such as running to catch a bus) or under mental or emotional stress. Normally the chest discomfort is relieved with rest and/or nitro-glycerine. This is called stable Angina Pectoris.
In some people the chest pain is unexpected and usually occurs while at rest. The discomfort may be more severe and prolonged than typical Angina Pectoris or be the first time a person has Angina Pectoris. This is termed unstable Angina Pectoris.
Unstable Angina Pectoris is an acute coronary syndrome and should be treated as an emergency.
Nitro-glycerine
For this reason your doctor may prescribe nitro-glycerine. Nitro-glycerine temporarily opens up blocked vessels so that more oxygen-rich blood can get to the heart muscle. Nitro-glycerine can be taken as a tablet or a spray. It is placed or sprayed under the tongue.
How to store you nitroglycerine
If nitro-glycerine has been prescribed, always carry it with you. Keep it in the original container with the lid tightly closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from sunlight, heat or moisture, which can decrease its effectiveness. If you are using tablets, remove the cotton from the container, since cotton can absorb nitro-glycerine and cause it to lose strength. Get a new supply every six to 12 months even if you have not used it.
How to take your nitroglycerine
Before you take your nitro-glycerine, sit or lie down, since it may cause dizziness. Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. Do not chew or swallow it.
