What to do about angina attacks?

If you are experiencing an angina attack, the following steps should be taken immediately:

1. Stop what you are doing and rest. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

2. Loosen any tight clothing, especially around your neck.

3. Take your nitroglycerin tablet as prescribed. Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. Do not swallow the tablet. If the pain does not improve after 5 minutes, take another tablet. You should not take more than 3 nitroglycerin tablets in 15 minutes.

4. If the pain does not improve after taking nitroglycerin, call 911. This could be a sign of a heart attack.

5. Once the pain has subsided, follow up with your doctor. You may need to have additional tests or adjust your medication.

In addition to these steps, here are some things you can do to help prevent angina attacks:

- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.

- Quit smoking.

- Reduce your salt intake.

- Eat a healthy diet.

- Get regular exercise.

- Manage your stress.

- Talk to your doctor about your angina and ask about getting an electrocardiogram (ECG). These can confirm you are having angina pain. Some conditions look like angina but require different care.

Avoid potential angina triggers known to provoke pain such as caffeine, stress or strenuous activity such as climbing stairs, walking upstairs especially following meals.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of angina attacks and improve your overall health.