What should you know about the kinds of angina?

Stable angina tends to follow a predictable pattern, such as discomfort brought on by exertion and eased by rest or prescribed medicine. Unstable angina is new, more frequent, longer-lasting, or occurs with less activity or at rest; it can signal an acute heart problem. Variant angina is linked to temporary tightening of a coronary artery and may occur at rest. Angina may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or chest tightness and can spread to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder.

Follow your personalised plan and use prescribed reliever medicine exactly as directed. Pause activity when symptoms begin and keep a record of triggers. Assessment may include an Electrocardiogram and checks for conditions such as Hypertension. Medicines may be used to reduce heart strain or manage cholesterol and blood pressure; never alter them without guidance.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that is severe, new, worsening, lasts longer than your usual episodes, occurs at rest, or does not improve with your prescribed plan. Also seek urgent help for breathlessness, sweating, nausea, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw.

Ask which pattern fits your symptoms, what your action plan says, which tests are needed, and how Blood Pressure Medication or Statin Therapy may fit your care.