Angina – What It Is and How to Deal With It

Ever felt a tight band around your chest when you climb stairs or run for the bus? That pressure is called angina, and it’s a warning sign that your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. It’s not a disease on its own, but a symptom that something is off with the blood flow to your heart muscle.

Why Angina Happens

The most common cause is narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Buildup of plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis, narrows the tubes that deliver blood to the heart. When you exercise, get stressed, or even eat a heavy meal, your heart needs more oxygen. If the arteries can’t supply it, the muscles get short‑changed and you feel that squeezing pain.

There are two main types. Stable angina shows up during predictable activities – like a morning walk – and eases up with rest or medication. Unstable angina is unpredictable, can happen at rest, and may signal an upcoming heart attack. If the pain lasts more than a few minutes, feels extreme, or spreads to your arm or jaw, call emergency services right away.

Quick Ways to Relieve Angina

The first step is to stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down. Rest lowers the heart’s demand for oxygen and often makes the pain fade. If you’ve been prescribed nitroglycerin tablets or spray, use it as directed; it widens the arteries and can bring relief within minutes.

Long‑term relief isn’t about quick fixes alone. Cutting out smoking, eating more fruits and veggies, and keeping a healthy weight can slow plaque buildup. Regular low‑impact exercise, like brisk walking, strengthens the heart and improves circulation, but always check with a doctor before starting a new routine.

Medication may be needed to keep the blood flowing smoothly. Doctors often prescribe beta‑blockers, calcium‑channel blockers, or aspirin to lower the heart’s workload and thin the blood. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, treating those conditions is crucial because they speed up artery narrowing.

Stress management is another piece of the puzzle. Deep breathing, meditation, or simple hobbies can lower the hormones that tighten vessels. Even a short walk when you feel stressed can calm the heart and prevent an angina episode.

Keep a small notebook of when the pain starts, how long it lasts, what you were doing, and how it felt. This log helps your doctor see patterns and adjust treatment faster.

Remember, angina is a signal, not a verdict. Treating the cause – the clogged arteries – can turn a painful warning into a manageable part of life. By listening to your body, using prescribed meds, and making heart‑healthy choices, you can keep the pain in check and stay active.