What causes stable angina?

The narrowing often results from fatty deposits and changes in the artery wall. Walking uphill, exercising, cold weather or strong emotions can make the heart work harder, bringing on pressure, tightness or discomfort in the chest. Symptoms may settle with rest, but a new pattern, discomfort at rest or symptoms that are becoming more intense need prompt medical assessment. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease can increase the chance of coronary artery disease. Stable angina is not the same as a harmless muscle strain, even when it follows a predictable pattern.

Arrange a medical review to confirm the cause and assess your heart risk. Your clinician may ask when symptoms start, how long they last and whether they improve with rest. Testing can include an Electrocardiogram, blood tests or other heart investigations. Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed, and discuss blood pressure control, cholesterol treatment, activity and smoking cessation. Do not deliberately exercise through chest discomfort. Keep a record of triggers and associated breathlessness, sweating, nausea or dizziness.

Call emergency services if chest pressure is severe, lasts longer than usual, occurs while resting, or does not settle with the action your clinician has advised. Seek urgent help for chest discomfort with marked breathlessness, fainting, cold sweating, nausea or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder. Do not drive yourself if you may be having a heart attack.

Ask which symptoms fit your usual angina pattern, how to use any prescribed reliever medicine, which activities are safe, and whether you need an Electrocardiogram or further testing. You can also ask how Hypertension, cholesterol and other risk factors should be managed.