Angina: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Treat It

Got a tight, squeezing feeling in your chest when you walk up stairs or stress out? That could be angina. It’s a warning sign that your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. The good news? Knowing the signs and the right steps can keep the pain in check and lower the risk of a heart attack.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Angina usually shows up as a pressure or heaviness in the chest. Some people feel it in their jaw, shoulders, or even the stomach. It often starts when you exert yourself – like jogging, carrying groceries, or getting angry – and eases up when you sit or rest.

Typical clues include:

• Chest discomfort that lasts a few minutes
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or light‑headedness
• Feeling of indigestion or heartburn

If the pain lasts longer than 10 minutes, doesn’t improve with rest, or comes with sweating, you need emergency help right away.

Managing Angina: Lifestyle and Medications

First off, quit smoking. Even a few cigarettes a day can narrow your arteries and make angina worse. Swap out salty snacks for fresh fruits and veggies – lower sodium means less strain on the heart.

Exercise is a must, but start slow. Walking for 10 minutes a day, then adding a few minutes each week, builds heart strength without triggering pain. If you have a doctor‑prescribed plan, stick to it.

Medications often include:

• Nitrates – like nitroglycerin, which relaxes blood vessels and eases chest pressure.
• Beta‑blockers – they slow the heart rate, reducing oxygen demand.
• Calcium channel blockers – another way to keep vessels relaxed.
• Statins – lower cholesterol, helping prevent artery buildup.

Always keep a short‑acting nitrate on hand. If you feel angina, sit down, take the pill, and wait a few minutes. If the pain persists, call emergency services.

Stress management can also calm angina. Simple breathing exercises, meditation, or a short walk can lower adrenaline spikes that tighten your vessels.

Regular check‑ups let your doctor track blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar – all factors that fuel angina. Adjusting your meds or diet based on those numbers can make a big difference.

Bottom line: Angina is your heart’s way of saying, “I need help.” Spot the signs, follow a heart‑smart lifestyle, and use prescribed meds correctly. With the right moves, you can keep chest pain at bay and stay active.