Stress-induced angina: recognising the warning signs

Stress hormones can make the heart beat faster and raise the pressure it works against. If blood flow through the heart arteries is limited, this extra demand may cause pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest. Discomfort may spread to an arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back and may occur with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or unusual tiredness. Chest Tightness can have several causes, so it should not be labelled stress without assessment. Angina is associated with coronary blood-flow problems; Hypertension can add strain to the heart. An Electrocardiogram may be part of an evaluation.

Stop the activity or stressful conversation and sit upright. Follow the personal action plan prescribed for your Angina, including any prescribed medicine, exactly as directed. Do not drive yourself if symptoms are severe or unfamiliar. Note what triggered the episode, how it felt, how long it lasted, and whether rest or prescribed treatment changed it. A clinician may review blood pressure, cholesterol, medicines, and other cardiovascular risks. Blood Pressure Medication or Statin Therapy may be recommended for some people, but treatment must be individualised.

Call emergency services immediately for new, severe, prolonged, or worsening chest pressure, especially with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Do the same if symptoms occur at rest, after minimal effort, or do not settle according to your prescribed plan. Do not assume that chest discomfort is anxiety. Even familiar symptoms need prompt review if their pattern changes.

How can I distinguish my usual angina from a heart attack? What should my personal action plan say? Which tests, medicines, activity changes, and stress-management approaches fit my heart health?