How to Cope with Unstable Angina

Unstable angina is a very serious condition characterized by unpredictable chest pain. If you're experiencing symptoms, you are at a high risk of having a heart attack and must seek immediate medical attention.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the difference between stable and unstable angina. Symptoms of stable angina include a predictable pattern of chest pain. Rest usually relieves the pain. However, unstable angina doesn't occur in a predictable way and the pain doesn't subside with rest.

• 2

  Become familiar with the symptoms. Unstable angina occurs with minimal physical exertion or even while you're resting. It occurs more often and lasts longer than any other chest pain you may normally experience. The pain also becomes more and more intense. Unstable angina is a warning sign that your heart isn't receiving enough blood or oxygen. If symptoms are ignored, a heart attack may soon follow.

• 3

  Get immediate medical attention. See your physician or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. Doctors will do tests to evaluate whether or not you are having a heart attack.

• 4

  Be prepared for extensive treatment. In some cases, your doctor may choose to offer medications to stabilize your condition. Or, you may need angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore normal blood flow to your heart. Regardless of the treatment plan, you may need to stay in the hospital a couple of days before your doctor will release you.

• 5

  Ask your physician about coronary stress tests before leaving the hospital. Such tests can help doctors verify that you suffer from heart disease and identify the best treatment options for you.

• 6

  Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions. Sometimes other conditions trigger unstable angina. In such cases, it's important that the doctor treat not only your unstable angina, but also the other condition so it doesn't cause another attack in the future. Common culprits include irregular or rapid heartbeat, infection, anemia, hyperthyroidism and serious illness or surgery.

• 7

  Understand that even after you leave the hospital and begin a medication regimen, you're at a higher risk of heart attack than most people. You must take medication as prescribed by your physician and follow any other medical advice. Following your doctor's orders and committing yourself to a healthy lifestyle will help you cope with unstable angina.