angina procedure preparation

Overview

Angina is a type of chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a symptom of coronary artery disease, where the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrow or blocked.

Yes, angina is common. Millions of people worldwide have it, especially as they get older.

Angina most often affects people with coronary artery disease, especially those over 50, men, and people with risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort – often described as pressure, squeezing, burning, or fullness
• Pain spreading to your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak
• Nausea or indigestion

Symptoms in children

• Angina is very rare in children. If it occurs, symptoms may be similar – chest pain with activity, fatigue, or breathing trouble – and a doctor should check for heart problems.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less obvious chest pain. Instead, they might feel shortness of breath, tiredness, confusion, or pain in the back or stomach.

Causes

Main causes

• Coronary artery disease – a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries that narrows them and reduces blood flow to the heart.
• Spasm of the coronary arteries – a temporary tightening of the artery muscle that also cuts off blood flow.

Risk factors

• Smoking or tobacco use
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity or being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of heart disease
• Older age
• Stress

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain that is new, severe, or lasts more than a few minutes – call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you have known angina and your attacks become more frequent, last longer, or happen at rest.
• If your usual medication (like a spray or tablet) does not relieve the pain.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are over 40 and have risk factors for heart disease (like smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure), ask your doctor about a heart health check.
• If you have chest pain during exercise that goes away with rest, talk to your doctor at your next appointment.
• If you have been diagnosed with angina but your symptoms change or get worse over weeks.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. They will also do a physical exam and order tests to check your heart.

Tests that may be done

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – records the electrical activity of your heart
• Blood tests – check for heart damage or risk factors like cholesterol
• Stress test (exercise ECG) – see how your heart works during physical activity
• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of your heart
• Coronary angiogram – a special X‑ray with dye to see blockages in your arteries

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are usually done as an outpatient. For an angiogram, you will be awake but given medicine to relax. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in your wrist or groin and guided to your heart. You may feel some warmth when dye is injected, but it shouldn't hurt. The test takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Treatment

Treatment for angina aims to relieve symptoms, slow the progress of heart disease, and prevent heart attacks. It includes lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures to open blocked arteries.

Self-care at home

• If you have stable angina, rest or take your prescribed medication (like a spray or tablet under your tongue) when pain starts.
• Avoid triggers such as heavy meals, extreme cold, or sudden intense exercise.
• Learn to manage stress with relaxation techniques, deep breathing, or gentle exercise.
• Take all your heart medications exactly as prescribed – do not stop them without talking to your doctor.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medications to widen arteries, reduce the heart's workload, or lower cholesterol and blood pressure. These include nitrates (for quick relief), beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, statins, and blood thinners. Always follow your doctor's advice on dosing and never share medications. If you are scheduled for a procedure (such as coronary angiography, angioplasty, or bypass surgery), your care team will give you specific instructions. These may include: stopping certain medications (like blood thinners) a few days before, not eating or drinking for a set number of hours before the procedure, arranging for someone to drive you home afterwards, and telling the team about any allergies or other health conditions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be recommended when medications and lifestyle changes are not enough, or if blockages are severe. Common procedures include coronary angioplasty (a balloon and stent to open the artery) or coronary artery bypass graft (using a blood vessel from another part of the body to create a detour around the blockage). Your doctor will explain the benefits, risks, and how to prepare.

Living with this condition

Living with angina means taking care of your heart every day. Follow your treatment plan, watch for triggers, and know when to seek help. Keep a log of your symptoms and share it with your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking – it is the single best thing you can do for your heart.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol to recommended levels.
• Get enough sleep – aim for 7–9 hours per night.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or hobbies.

Diet and exercise

Eat a heart‑healthy diet: plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean protein. Reduce salt, saturated fat, and sugar. Talk to your doctor before starting exercise – once cleared, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking) most days. Start slowly and stop if you feel chest pain or shortness of breath.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having angina can be worrying and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious or depressed. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. Talk to your healthcare team if you feel overwhelmed – they can offer support or refer you to counselling.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of developing angina or prevent it from getting worse by making heart‑healthy choices. This includes not smoking, eating well, staying active, managing stress, and controlling conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Complications

If left untreated

• Unstable angina – a more dangerous form that can lead to a heart attack
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – when a blocked artery damages heart muscle
• Heart failure – your heart cannot pump blood as well as it should
• Arrhythmia – abnormal heart rhythms

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, most people with angina can manage their symptoms and live a full, active life. Heart disease is a long‑term condition, but taking care of your health gives you the best chance of staying well.

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