How to Relieve Angina Pain
Angina pain occurs when the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed by a blockage or blood clot. Certain factors can trigger angina pain such as emotional tension, exercise, cold weather and large meals. You need a medical evaluation to determine the cause of your angina pain. Your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram and other cardiac-related tests. Diagnostic tests may also include blood tests to help determine if you have underlying causes for your angina pain. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your angina pain. You and your doctor can take steps to relieve angina pain.
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Things You'll Need
- Physical examination
- Nitroglycerin
- Antianxiety medication
- Cardiac rehabilitation program
- Surgery
Instructions
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See your doctor. Your doctor needs to evaluate the cause of your angina pain. Your doctor may test you for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These conditions can contribute to heart disease, which can cause angina pain.
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Ask about nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a prescription medication that works by temporarily opening up the blood vessels, improving blood flow. Nitroglycerin relieves angina pain related to heart disease. Ask your doctor if nitroglycerin is appropriate therapy for your condition.
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Inquire about antianxiety medication. Stress and anxiety may contribute to angina pain. Antianxiety medication will alleviate anxiety and ease your chest pain. Ask your doctor to consider prescribing antianxiety medication to manage your stress.
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Think about cardiac rehabilitation. Discuss a cardiac rehabilitation program with your doctor. This treatment option can help improve the fitness of your heart and improve your angina pain. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are medically supervised exercise programs recommended for heart patients.
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Consider surgery. You may benefit from heart surgery to relieve your angina symptoms. Ask your doctor about the different types of surgical procedures available that will open up your blood vessels and improve blood flow to your heart, relieving angina. If surgery is an option for you, your doctor will refer you to a cardiologist for further consultation and treatment.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your doctor about blood thinners. Blood thinners will thin your blood and allow it to flow more effectively through your blood vessels, possibly preventing blood clots, which can cause angina, heart attack or stroke.
If you experience severe chest pain, pressure or burning in your chest, pain in your left arm, neck or jaw, nausea, vomiting, sweating, palpitations, or difficulty breathing, call 911. You may be having a heart attack and need immediate medical intervention. Never be ashamed or afraid to call for emergency assistance. Minutes count during a heart attack, and with prompt treatment, your chances of recovery are excellent.
