Managing angina

Angina is different to a heart attack and there are ways to manage it

Angina is usually a symptom of coronary heart disease. It happens when the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is temporarily reduced, usually due to a build up of fatty deposits in your arteries.

Angina causes chest pain or discomfort that may feel like heaviness, pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest. Episodes of angina can last anywhere from seconds to minutes. 

What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?

Both angina and heart attacks are caused by coronary heart disease.

Angina is usually caused by a temporary drop in the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. There is no permanent damage to the heart muscle. The chest pain or discomfort often disappears with rest or angina medicine.

In a heart attack, the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is severely reduced or completely cut off. This causes permanent damange to the heart muscle. Heart attack symptoms are generally not relieved by rest or medicines.

If your angina symptoms continue for more than 10 minutes or are severe or get worse, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

What are the risk factors for angina?

Angina can be triggered when your heart is working harder and needs more oxygen and blood, such as during physical activity, emotional stress or exposure to cold temperatures.

The risk factors for angina are the same as those for coronary heart disease:

• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• unhealthy eating pattern
• physical inactivity
• smoking
• drinking alcohol
• carrying excess fat.

Age and a family history of coronary heart disease also increase the likelihood of developing angina.

How can I reduce the risk of angina?

The good news is you can reduce the risk of angina by sticking to all the great heart-healthy habits you’re forming. This includes:

• managing your cholesterol levels and blood pressure
• following a heart-healthy eating pattern
• being physically active every day for 30 minutes
• maintaining a healthy weight
• not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• cutting down on alcohol.

What are angina medicines?

If you have had angina, a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medicines to manage angina and relieve symptoms if you get them.

The medicines commonly used to manage angina are known as nitrates, for example, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Nitrates increase blood flow to the heart by widening blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and reducing chest pain.

Short-acting nitrates such as a spray or tablet can be used for rapid relief during an angina episode. If your doctor prescribes these medicines, you need to carry them with you all the time. Longer-acting nitrates are also available for people with more frequent angina episodes to help prevent angina.

Some other heart medicines, such as those used to lower blood pressure, can also be prescribed to help prevent angina episodes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.