Angina: What It Is and How to Keep It Under Control

If you’ve ever felt a tight squeeze in your chest after climbing stairs or during stress, you might have experienced angina. It’s not just a random ache – it’s a signal from your heart that it’s not getting enough oxygen. Understanding the warning signs and knowing what to do can stop a scary episode from turning into something worse.

What is Angina?

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The most common type, called stable angina, shows up during physical activity or emotional stress and eases up with rest or medication. There’s also unstable angina, which can happen at rest and signals a higher risk of a heart attack. Typical feelings include pressure, heaviness, squeezing, or a burning sensation in the chest. Some people also feel pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Why does it happen? A buildup of plaque inside the coronary arteries narrows them, limiting oxygen delivery when the heart works harder. Risk factors are the usual suspects: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. Even a sedentary lifestyle can speed up the plaque buildup.

Managing Angina: Tips & Treatments

The first step is to talk to a doctor. They’ll likely run an ECG, stress test, or imaging to see how blocked the arteries are. Based on the results, you’ll get a plan that mixes medicines, lifestyle tweaks, and possibly procedures.

Medications are the backbone of angina control. Nitroglycerin tablets or sprays can quickly relax the artery walls, easing a sudden pain episode. Long‑term drugs like beta‑blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins keep the heart’s workload low and the arteries clear. Always follow the dose schedule and let your doctor know about any side effects.

Lifestyle changes make a huge difference. Cutting out cigarettes is non‑negotiable – every puff worsens plaque. Swap fried foods for fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, but start slow; walking around the block and building up is better than a sudden marathon.

Watch your stress levels. Simple breathing exercises, short meditation breaks, or hobbies that make you laugh can lower heart strain. If you drink alcohol, keep it moderate – that’s up to one drink a day for women and two for men.

In some cases, doctors recommend procedures. Angioplasty with a stent opens a narrowed artery, while coronary artery bypass surgery creates a new route for blood flow. These are usually reserved for people with severe blockages or recurring symptoms despite meds.

Lastly, keep a symptom diary. Note when pain starts, what you were doing, how long it lasted, and what helped. This info helps your doctor fine‑tune your treatment and spot any red flags early.

Living with angina doesn’t mean you have to quit all the things you love. With the right mix of medication, smart habits, and regular check‑ups, you can keep chest pain at bay and stay active. If you ever feel a new or worsening pain, don’t wait – seek medical help right away.