Angina is a condition that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. This can cause chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Reducing angina crises can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about reducing angina crises and managing your symptoms.

Understanding Angina

Angina is typically caused by a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to your heart.

The most common cause of this narrowing is a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits in your arteries, which can limit blood flow and reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your heart.

Angina is usually diagnosed when a person experiences chest pain or discomfort, though it can also cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.

The pain or discomfort associated with angina often feels like a tightness or pressure in the chest, and may radiate to other parts of your body, such as your arms, shoulders, neck, or jaw.

If you experience symptoms of angina, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to diagnose angina and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Angina Crises

Lifestyle changes can be an effective way to reduce angina crises and improve your overall heart health. These changes may include:.

Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars
Getting regular exercise, as recommended by your healthcare provider
Maintaining a healthy weight
Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
Managing stress through relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga

Medications for Angina

Medications can also be used to reduce angina symptoms and prevent angina crises. The type of medication you receive will depend on the severity of your angina, your medical history, and other factors.

Some common medications used to treat angina include:.

Nitrates, which help to widen your blood vessels and improve blood flow to your heart
Beta-blockers, which slow your heart rate and reduce the workload on your heart
Calcium channel blockers, which relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow
Aspirin or other blood-thinning medications, which help to prevent blood clots

Medical Procedures for Angina

In some cases, medical procedures may be necessary to reduce angina symptoms and prevent angina crises. These procedures may include:.

Coronary angioplasty, which involves inserting a small tube into your arteries and using a balloon to widen them
Coronary artery bypass surgery, which involves creating a new blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery
Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR), which involves using a laser to create channels in your heart muscle to allow blood to flow more easily

Managing Angina at Home

There are also steps you can take at home to manage your angina symptoms and prevent angina crises. These may include:.

Keeping a record of your symptoms, including when they occur, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse
Avoiding triggers, such as heavy meals, cold weather, or emotional stress
Taking medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider
Carrying nitroglycerin tablets with you at all times and using them as directed
Sticking to a heart-healthy diet and getting regular exercise

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience new or worsening symptoms of angina, it is important to seek medical attention right away. These symptoms may include:.

Chest pain or discomfort that is more frequent, severe, or lasts longer than usual
Chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion
Shortness of breath that is new or worsening
Signs of a heart attack, such as sweating, nausea, or pain that radiates to your arm or jaw