What should you know about hyper angina?

People sometimes use hyper angina to describe severe, frequent, or poorly controlled angina, but the phrase itself does not identify the cause. Angina is discomfort caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen for its needs. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness and can spread to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. High blood pressure can increase strain on the heart, while other heart and blood-vessel problems can also contribute.

Stop and rest when symptoms begin, and follow the emergency or prescribed medicine plan given to you. Do not start, stop, or share heart medicines without clinical advice. A clinician may review your history, blood pressure, medicines, and risk factors, and may arrange an electrocardiogram or other tests. Treatment can include blood pressure medication or statin therapy when appropriate, alongside changes tailored to your health.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that is severe, new, lasts longer than expected, occurs at rest, or does not improve with your prescribed plan. Treat breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm as urgent warning signs. Do not drive yourself if a heart problem is possible.

Ask what your symptoms represent, how to use any prescribed rescue medicine, and which activities should be limited. Ask how blood pressure, cholesterol, and other conditions affect your plan and when an electrocardiogram is needed.