Age and angina: what you should know

Age is only one part of the picture. A clinician also considers blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history, and the pattern of the discomfort.

Angina occurs when the heart muscle temporarily receives less oxygen-rich blood than it needs. It often causes pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness during exertion or stress and may ease with rest. Older age raises concern because narrowing of the heart arteries develops over time, yet younger adults can also develop heart-related symptoms when other risk factors or heart conditions are present.

Symptoms may be less typical in older people and in people with diabetes. Breathlessness, unusual fatigue, nausea, or discomfort in the jaw, back, shoulder, or arm can accompany angina even when chest pain is mild.

Arrange a medical assessment for recurrent chest pressure or tightness, particularly when activity brings it on. Note what you were doing, where the discomfort travelled, how long it lasted, what relieved it, and whether breathlessness, sweating, dizziness, or nausea occurred.

The clinician may check blood pressure, examine the heart and lungs, review medicines and risk factors, and arrange an electrocardiogram or other tests. Do not begin, stop, or borrow heart medicine without personalised advice.

Call emergency services for new, severe, or persistent chest pressure; discomfort occurring at rest; symptoms that are worsening or different from usual; or chest discomfort with marked breathlessness, fainting, a cold sweat, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Do not drive yourself if a heart emergency may be occurring.

If you already have an angina plan, follow its emergency instructions. Symptoms that do not settle as your plan says require immediate help, regardless of age.

Ask whether the symptom pattern could reflect angina, which cardiovascular risk factors apply to you, whether an electrocardiogram or further testing is appropriate, and what exact action to take if discomfort returns. Also confirm whether blood pressure or cholesterol treatment needs review.