What should you know about constant angina?

Angina is pressure, tightness, heaviness or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It may spread to an arm, shoulder, jaw, back or upper abdomen and can come with breathlessness, sweating, nausea or unusual tiredness. Stable angina often follows exertion and eases with rest, but symptoms that occur at rest, last longer, become more frequent or feel different need urgent assessment. Hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular strain, but it is not the only possible factor.

Stop exertion and sit or rest when symptoms begin. Follow the personal plan provided by your clinician, including any prescribed angina medicine, and do not borrow someone else’s treatment. Keep a record of what brings symptoms on, how they feel, how long they last and what relieves them. Take prescribed medicines consistently and discuss side effects rather than stopping them without advice. An ECG and other tests may help clarify the cause.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that is severe, new, worsening, occurs at rest, does not settle with rest or prescribed treatment, or comes with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea or pain spreading to the jaw or arm. Do not drive yourself. Prompt assessment is also needed after an episode that differs from your usual pattern, even if it has stopped.

Ask what pattern of symptoms is expected for you, how to use prescribed rescue treatment, and which warning signs require emergency help. Discuss whether an ECG, blood pressure review or medicines such as statin therapy should form part of your plan.