Angina living in adults

Overview

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle. It is a warning sign of heart disease, not a heart attack itself, but it can increase your risk.

Yes, angina is common, especially in people over 50. It affects men more often than women, but the risk increases for both as they age.

Angina affects adults, particularly those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure, often behind the breastbone, that may feel like squeezing or heaviness
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Feeling of indigestion or heartburn

Symptoms in children

• Angina is extremely rare in children. Chest pain in children is more likely due to other causes such as muscle strain, anxiety, or asthma.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, angina may not cause typical chest pain. Instead, symptoms might include fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, or nausea.

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis: a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the coronary arteries, which narrows them and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle.

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet (high in saturated fat and salt)
• Family history of heart disease
• Older age
• Stress

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you experience any chest pain that is new, severe, or does not go away with rest, call for emergency help immediately.
• If you have been diagnosed with angina and your symptoms suddenly worsen or happen at rest, seek urgent care.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild, intermittent chest pain that you have not discussed with a doctor yet, schedule an appointment to get it checked.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. They will also do a physical exam and may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – records the electrical activity of your heart
• Blood tests – to check for enzymes, cholesterol, and other markers
• Exercise stress test – monitors your heart while you walk on a treadmill
• Coronary angiography – a special X-ray to look at blood flow in your arteries
• CT scan – to see detailed images of your heart and arteries

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). Tests help determine if your symptoms are due to angina and how severe the narrowing of your arteries is. The process can take a few days to weeks, but it is important not to delay.

Treatment

Treatment for angina focuses on relieving symptoms, slowing the progression of heart disease, and reducing the risk of heart attack or other complications. It involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures.

Self-care at home

• Quit smoking immediately – your healthcare team can help.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars.
• Get regular physical activity, but talk to your doctor first about what is safe for you.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medications to improve blood flow to the heart, reduce the heart's workload, or prevent blood clots. These might include nitrates (to widen blood vessels), beta-blockers (to slow the heart rate), calcium channel blockers (to relax arteries), or antiplatelet drugs (to prevent clots). Always take medications exactly as prescribed and carry your emergency medication (such as a spray or tablets) as directed.

When is surgery considered?

If lifestyle changes and medications are not enough, your doctor may recommend a procedure such as angioplasty (where a balloon is used to open a narrowed artery, often with a stent placed) or coronary artery bypass surgery (to create a new route for blood flow). These options are discussed with your specialist based on your individual situation.

Living with this condition

Learn what triggers your angina (e.g., heavy meals, stress, cold weather) and try to avoid those triggers. Keep a diary of your symptoms to share with your doctor. Always carry your emergency medication and know when to use it. Have a plan for what to do if symptoms worsen.

Lifestyle tips

• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Exercise regularly – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but start slowly and follow your doctor's advice.
• Manage stress with hobbies, relaxation, or talking to someone.
• Limit alcohol to recommended amounts (no more than 14 units per week for adults).

Diet and exercise

Focus on a heart-healthy diet: plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and lean meats. Avoid fried foods, processed snacks, and sugary drinks. For exercise, gentle activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are good choices. Always warm up and cool down, and stop if you feel chest pain. Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition like angina can cause anxiety, fear, or depression. It is normal to feel worried about your heart health. Talk to your doctor about these feelings – they can offer support or refer you to a counselor. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can also help.

Prevention

While you cannot change some risk factors like age or family history, you can reduce your risk of developing angina or worsening it by managing controllable factors: quit smoking, keep blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range, maintain a healthy diet, stay active, manage diabetes if you have it, and limit alcohol.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for angina, but getting the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine each year is recommended to prevent infections that could stress your heart.

Screening programmes

Regular check-ups with your doctor are important. They can monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. If you are at high risk, your doctor may recommend additional heart tests.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Heart failure (when the heart cannot pump blood effectively)
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Sudden cardiac arrest (the heart stops beating)

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and proper management, many people with angina can live long, active lives. Treatment can control symptoms, slow the progression of heart disease, and greatly reduce the risk of complications. It is important to stay engaged with your healthcare team and follow your care plan. There is every reason to be hopeful.

Find support

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