If you have angina, is your blood pressure high?

Angina is chest discomfort caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood for its needs. Hypertension can strain artery walls and contribute to changes that narrow or stiffen blood vessels, so it may increase the risk of angina over time. However, a single blood-pressure reading during chest discomfort cannot diagnose or exclude either condition. Chest tightness can have heart and non-heart causes, and a clinician may review symptoms, examination findings, risk factors and an Electrocardiogram.

Record readings taken with a correctly sized cuff while seated and rested, but do not delay care for chest symptoms in order to measure blood pressure. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not stop them without advice. Your clinician may discuss Blood Pressure Medication, cholesterol treatment such as Statin Therapy, activity and other risk-factor changes. Keep a note of what brings on discomfort and what relieves it.

Call emergency services for new, severe or persistent chest pain, pain at rest, breathlessness, sweating, nausea, fainting, or discomfort spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw. Treat sudden symptoms as urgent even if a blood-pressure reading is normal. Do not drive yourself to emergency care.

Ask what type of angina is suspected, how to monitor blood pressure, which tests are needed, and how to use prescribed treatment during an episode.