The German Heart Foundation said that angina is the main symptom of coronary artery disease.
The Foundation explained that in this case, the coronary arteries narrow, which leads to the heart not receiving a sufficient amount of oxygen-rich blood, and this lack of oxygen in the heart muscle is manifested in the form of pain and tightness in the chest.
The foundation added that the pain can spread to the left shoulder and arms. Pain can also be felt in the neck, back, upper abdomen, and even in the teeth.
Symptoms of angina usually appear when the body is under pressure and stress, for example while exercising, climbing stairs, or doing physical effort.
However, in severe cases of angina, chest pain may also occur at rest or with minimal exertion. Doctors call this condition unstable angina. Because it may be a warning sign of an impending heart attack, it is essential to seek medical care immediately.
Nitroglycerin medications
Anyone suffering from an angina attack should take a break. One can also resort to medications called nitroglycerin, which dilate blood vessels within 1 to 3 minutes.
The German Heart Foundation advises anyone who has been prescribed such medications to always carry them with them, taking the following into account when using them:
- Spray nitroglycerin sprays under the tongue. This can be repeated 1 to 3 times, with an interval of 30 seconds between each spray.
- Nitroglycerin capsules are designed to be chewed, and the contents of the capsule should be kept in the mouth for as long as possible.
- These medications may have side effects that include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing.
If chest pressure persists after taking the medication, then an ambulance should be called. This also applies if the feeling of chest tightness is much stronger than usual, as this indicates that a heart attack is imminent.