Angina is usually a symptom that you have coronary heart disease, which means that your coronary arteries are becoming blocked with a fatty substance (known as atheroma) preventing proper blood flow to the heart. The process of your arteries becoming blocked is called atherosclerosis, The restricted blood flow to the heart muscle results in pain and discomfort. Some people report feeling a tightness in their chest, feeling breathless, or as if they’re choking.
Angina is not the same as a heart attack (known as a myocardial infarction) which is the result of a coronary artery becoming completely blocked. Angina can be thought of as a warning that you may one day have a heart attack, because it means that your arteries are partially blocked and could one day become completely blocked. However, you can take some simple steps to slow down or even stop this process by making some lifestyle changes and taking the angina medication prescribed by your doctor.
It’s very important to reduce your risk of getting coronary heart disease (CHD) because more people in the UK die from coronary heart disease than any other condition.1 As many as 25% of men (one in four) and almost 17% of women (one in six)1 die from coronary heart disease, and one in fifty people are affected by angina. Sadly, it’s a common affliction, with your chances of developing the disease increasing with age.
If a doctor suspects you have angina you may be asked to go for some tests at hospital where you may undergo one or more of the following examinations:
You will also be advised to give up smoking, take more regular exercise, lose weight, eat a healthy diet, and reduce your blood pressure.
Although there is no cure for angina there are some very effective medications that can help manage the condition and prevent it from getting any worse (see Treatment for Angina). It’s perfectly possible to live a normal life and successfully manage the disease. There are many support groups across Britain set up for people to share their experiences, and methods of coping with angina and coronary heart disease. Many also organise regular exercises, such as walking groups and other social activities which can greatly benefit your physical health and mental wellbeing. If you’re interested, contact your GP and ask for details of your nearest group.
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Last Updated 01/05/2009 14:02:53
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