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. | Angina
Angina (angina pectoris) is caused by changes in the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle. As you get older, these vessels may harden and thicken, making it more difficult for blood to get through to your heart. Angina does not damage the heart, but it is a warning. It doesn't mean you're having a heart attack or that you necessarily will ever have one.
Usually, the pain from angina is felt in the chest, under your breastbone. It may spread to both arms, both shoulders (especially the left arm and shoulder), or the neck or chin. Anything that requires extra work on the part of the heart muscle tends to bring on this pain, including hard physical labour, emotional tension or excitement.
Like a headache, angina is a pain that only you can recognize. When you do feel pains in the chest - let's say after working too hard or eating too much - you should go to your doctor.
How is angina treated? Your doctor may prescribe nitroglycerin tablets or similar medicine such as nitrospray or skin patches, to relieve your pain. These tablets or patches cause the blood vessels to expand or open up, reducing the work of your heart. Your doctor will also advise you to change some of your living habits to help you keep angina under control. These changes may include:
1. Avoiding excessive physical exertion or emotional stress.
2. Avoiding large meals; in other words, reducing your total calories.
3. Drastically reducing animal fat intake.
4. Resting after each meal.
5. Staying out of extremely cold weather.
6. Losing weight if you are overweight.
7. Giving up cigarettes.
8. Using medicine not only to get you through an attack, but to prevent one from happening if you find yourself in a situation in which one might occur.
9. Beginning a regular exercise program under careful guidance from your doctor.
Angina can range from very mild to severe. Almost everyone who experiences the warning symptoms should expect to change their way of living. People who've had a heart attack sometimes have angina pains afterwards. And some people with a history of angina may eventually have a heart attack. But, once again, angina does not necessarily mean you will have a heart attack. It can be relieved and controlled. Bringing this about calls for a day-to-day regulation of your total life - what you do, what you eat, how hard you work, how you react to pressure, and so forth. Your doctor can tell you what things to watch out for and what things to do, but the real responsibility of living with angina depends entirely on you and whether you follow your doctor's advice.
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