What can happen when angina is untreated?

Angina is a warning that heart muscle may not be receiving enough oxygen-rich blood at certain times. Ignoring it may delay diagnosis of coronary artery disease or another cause of chest discomfort and may allow a dangerous change in symptoms to go unrecognised.

Repeated episodes can make walking, work, sleep or exercise difficult. Some people gradually reduce activity to avoid discomfort, which can conceal a falling symptom threshold rather than show that the heart problem has improved.

Treatment is also aimed at the condition behind the symptoms. Depending on the assessment, care may address narrowed coronary arteries, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes or other contributors. Without assessment, those modifiable risks may remain unmanaged.

Book a prompt medical review for recurring chest pressure, tightness or heaviness, even when it settles with rest. Describe where it occurs, what brings it on, how long it lasts and any breathlessness, nausea, sweating or spreading discomfort.

The clinician may check your heart rhythm, blood pressure and cardiovascular risks and select further tests from the overall picture. Until assessed, avoid pushing through symptoms. If you already have an angina plan, keep taking prescribed medicines and report any change in the pattern.

Contact UAE emergency services now for new, severe or persistent chest discomfort, symptoms at rest, or pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or spread to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder. Do not wait for a routine appointment and do not drive yourself.

People with diagnosed angina also need emergency help when an episode is unlike their usual symptoms or does not resolve according to their prescribed action plan. A familiar history of angina does not make a changed episode safe to watch at home.

Discuss what is causing the angina, which tests are needed, how each treatment reduces symptoms or risk and what activity is safe. Request a clear written plan for an episode and ask how soon changes in frequency or severity should be reported.