Can angina go away on its own?

A familiar episode brought on by exertion may fade when the heart's workload falls. That relief does not mean the underlying narrowing or spasm of a coronary artery has resolved.

Angina describes discomfort caused by a temporary mismatch between the heart muscle's need for oxygen and the blood reaching it. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness or burning in the chest, and discomfort can extend to an arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, back or upper abdomen. Breathlessness, sweating, nausea or light-headedness may occur alongside it.

Episodes that follow a predictable trigger and settle in the usual way may fit stable angina. Symptoms that are new, happen at rest, occur with less effort, feel stronger, last longer or respond less well to the usual medicine may represent a more urgent change.

Stop the activity and rest in a safe place. If a clinician has prescribed fast-acting angina medicine, use it exactly according to your personal action plan. Do not borrow another person's medicine or change your dose on your own.

After the episode, record what you were doing, how the discomfort felt, where it travelled, associated symptoms, and whether rest or medicine helped. Arrange a medical review even if recurring chest discomfort disappears, especially when angina has not previously been diagnosed. An examination, an electrocardiogram and other tests can help distinguish angina from other causes of chest symptoms.

Call local emergency services for chest pressure, tightness or pain that is severe, does not settle promptly with rest, or does not respond as expected to prescribed angina medicine. Emergency help is also needed when discomfort is new or occurs at rest, or when it comes with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, collapse, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder.

Do not drive yourself if a heart attack may be occurring. While waiting for help, stop exertion, sit in a comfortable position and follow the emergency operator's instructions.

Ask what pattern of symptoms is expected for you, how to use your prescribed medicine during an episode, and exactly when your action plan says to call emergency services. You can also discuss whether blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes or activity levels need attention, which tests are appropriate, and whether changes in episode frequency require a medication review.