angina follow up care

Overview

Angina is a type of chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a symptom of coronary heart disease, where the blood vessels that supply your heart become narrow. Angina is not a heart attack, but it is a warning sign that you need ongoing care to keep your heart healthy.

Yes, angina is very common. It affects millions of people worldwide and becomes more common as you get older.

Angina can affect anyone, but it is more common in men over 50 and women after menopause. You are also at higher risk if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure that may feel like squeezing, heaviness, or tightness
• Discomfort that spreads to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak during physical activity
• A feeling of indigestion or heartburn, especially with activity

Symptoms in children

• Angina is rare in children, but it can occur in children with congenital heart conditions (heart problems present at birth). Symptoms may be similar to adults, but young children may not be able to describe the pain clearly.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less typical symptoms, such as unusual fatigue, breathlessness, or a feeling of faintness, rather than obvious chest pain.

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis: a build-up of fatty deposits called plaques inside your coronary arteries, making them narrow and reducing blood flow
• Coronary artery spasm: a sudden tightening of the artery wall that can reduce blood flow
• Other rare causes: inflammation of the arteries, damage from injury, or blood clots

Risk factors

• Smoking or using tobacco
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or inactive
• Family history of early heart disease
• Age (older than 45 for men and 55 for women)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain at rest, chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, or chest pain with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If your angina symptoms become more frequent, more severe, or happen with less exertion, contact your healthcare provider the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor or specialist, even if you feel well.
• See your doctor if you have any questions about your medication, exercise, or diet.
• Go for regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks as recommended.

Diagnosis

To diagnose angina and plan your follow-up care, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. They will listen to your heart and may run several tests to see how well your heart is working.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): measures the electrical activity of your heart
• Blood tests: check for substances that indicate heart strain, cholesterol, and blood sugar
• Exercise stress test: shows how your heart responds to physical activity
• Echocardiogram: uses ultrasound to see the structure and pumping of your heart
• Coronary angiography: uses dye and X-rays to look inside your coronary arteries

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely see a cardiologist (heart specialist). Tests are usually done as an outpatient, meaning you do not need to stay in the hospital. Your doctor will explain your results and create or update a personal care plan.

Treatment

The main goals of angina follow-up care are to reduce symptoms, slow the progression of coronary heart disease, and prevent heart attacks. Treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes procedures.

Self-care at home

• Learn to recognise your angina triggers, such as physical exertion, stress, stress, cold weather, or heavy meals.
• Rest and slow down if you feel symptoms starting.
• Keep a simple diary of your symptoms, what you were doing, and what helped.
• Take all medications exactly as prescribed, and ask your pharmacist or doctor before stopping or changing anything.
• Tell your doctor about any side effects you notice.

Medical treatments

Doctors use several types of medication to manage angina. Some relax the blood vessels to improve blood flow, some reduce the heart's workload, and some help lower cholesterol or prevent blood clots. Certain tablets are taken regularly to reduce the risk of heart attacks. You may also be prescribed a fast-acting medicine to relieve symptoms when they happen. Your doctor will decide the best combination for you based on your condition.

When is surgery considered?

If medicines are not controlling your symptoms, or if tests show severe blockages, your doctor may suggest a procedure to open blocked arteries. This may be angioplasty (inserting a small balloon and possibly a mesh tube called a stent) or coronary artery bypass surgery. These procedures help restore blood flow to the heart.

Living with this condition

Living with angina means learning your limits and planning ahead. Always carry your medication and a note of any allergies with you. Let family, friends, and co-workers know what to do if you have symptoms. Keep your follow-up appointments and do not delay seeking help if symptoms change.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, ask your healthcare team for help to quit.
• Manage stress with relaxation, breathing exercises, or hobbies you enjoy.
• Limit alcohol to the recommended level, and ask your doctor what is safe for you.
• Get enough sleep and aim for a regular daily routine.

Diet and exercise

Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce salt, saturated fats, and sugary foods. Exercise, such as walking or cycling, is safe for most people once your doctor approves. Start slowly and build up gradually. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes can help you exercise safely and confidently.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious, scared, or low after a diagnosis of angina. These feelings can affect your heart health. Talk to your doctor if you feel overwhelmed, and consider talking to a counsellor. Remember that looking after your mental wellbeing is part of looking after your heart.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of angina and prevent it from getting worse by controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, keeping active, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.

Vaccines

Keep up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, because respiratory infections can put extra strain on your heart. Ask your pharmacist or local health service what is right for you.

Screening programmes

Regular health checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are important, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Ask your doctor how often you should be screened.

Complications

If left untreated

• A heart attack, which can permanently damage part of your heart muscle
• Arrhythmias – an abnormal heartbeat or rhythm
• Heart failure – when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively

Long-term outlook

With proper follow-up care, most people with angina can lead full and active lives. Angina is a long-term condition, but it can be managed successfully. By working with your healthcare team, taking your medication, and making heart-healthy choices, you can significantly lower your risk of serious complications and enjoy many good years ahead.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.