What should you know about red angina?

Angina may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. Discomfort can spread to an arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back and may appear with exertion or emotional stress before easing with rest. Some people notice breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or unusual tiredness instead. Hypertension can increase strain on the heart, but chest symptoms cannot be explained safely by blood pressure alone.

Stop exertion and sit down when symptoms start. If a clinician has prescribed a reliever for angina, use it exactly as directed and keep a note of triggers, timing, duration, and associated symptoms. Arrange a medical review for first-time, more frequent, longer-lasting, or less predictable episodes. Assessment may include an Electrocardiogram and other tests chosen from your history and examination. Treatment can include lifestyle measures and medicines such as Blood Pressure Medication or Statin Therapy when appropriate.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that is severe, new, occurs at rest, lasts longer than expected, or does not settle with the prescribed plan. Do the same for fainting, severe breathlessness, cold sweating, confusion, or discomfort spreading to the jaw or arm. Do not drive yourself. Chest Tightness with these features can signal a heart emergency rather than stable angina.

What pattern of symptoms should I record? Which tests are appropriate for me? What should I do if an episode happens at rest, and how should my medicines be used?