Recognize an Angina Attack
Angina is pain or discomfort in the chest caused by a restriction of blood flow to the heart. It is usually a symptom of heart disease. There are other causes of chest and upper body pain, and it is very important to be able to recognize when you are experiencing an .
Instructions
1. Recognize that discomfort in the chest may be a symptom of angina. Often described as a burning or heaviness under the breastbone, stable angina often begins with physical exertion, emotional stress or anger. The pain may radiate to the jaw, back or shoulders, and usually lasts for 1 to 5 minutes. Indigestion, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating or numbness or tingling of the fingers may accompany an attack of angina. You may experience one or more of these symptoms, but pain in the middle of the chest is the most common complaint.
2. Try to rest. Angina diminishes with rest or after taking prescribed angina medication. Since angina occurs due to lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, pain disappears when the blood flow improves and the heart's workload is reduced.
3. Determine whether the pain you are experiencing is stable or unstable angina. Stable angina is usually less serious than unstable angina. It results from generalized coronary artery disease, when the blood flow to the heart is consistently restricted. The pain occurs when the heart has to work harder than normal and is not getting sufficient oxygen. Once the heart settles down, and adequate oxygen is getting to the heart, the pain subsides. Unstable angina happens during a sudden interruption of blood flow. It may be due to a partial or complete blockage of an artery and can occur at anytime, even when you are asleep. Unstable angina may develop into a heart attack, whereas stable angina usually does not.
Tags: blood flow, Angina Attack, angina usually, blood flow heart, discomfort chest, flow heart