K.N.O.W. Home Health - ANGINA PECTORIS

ANGINA PECTORIS

Angina pectoris which is usually just called angina, is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart is not getting enough oxygen rich blood. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, or tightness. In the chest. Sometimes it also hurts in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or your back.

What causes angina?

Angina is usually caused by narrowing or a blocked blood vessel in thin e heart. Usually from coronary artery disease.

These blood vessels get blocked by plaque buildup which is usually caused from fat and cholesterol.

How can I prevent angina?

Take your medications as prescribed

Eat a heart healthy diet

Avoid foods high in salt, that, and sugar

Do not smoke because smoking damages blood vessels and the heart.

Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control.

Ways to reduce angina episodes:

If ordered nitroglycerin, take as directed from your doctor if you have chest pain.

Avoid heavy lifting or sudden strenuous activities.

Rest when you feel tired.

Avoid very cold or very hot weather as these can stress your heart.

Manage Stress and anxiety. Try relaxation breathing or coming activities.

Exercise regularly, but follow your doctor's advice about what is safe for you.

Key points to help keep you from hospitalization:

Keep all doctor appointments. Your doctor checks your heart health and changes your treatment if needed.

Get regular testing, such as EKGs, blood test, or stress test as ordered by your doctor to check your heart and blood flow.

Take your medications exactly as prescribed

No one to call 911

Call if:

Chest pain that does not go away after rest or taking your medication.

Pain that gets worse, last longer than usual, or feels different.

Trouble breathing, sweating, feeling clammy, feeling light-headed or faint

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Write the letter T if the statement is true

Write the letter F if the statement is false

1. _____Angina is chest pain caused when the heart does not get enough blood flow.

2._____angina pain always feels like a sharp stabbing pain only.

3._____eating healthy foods can help prevent angina.

4._____smoking is good for people with angina.

5._____angina can feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.

6._____taking your medications as prescribed can help prevent angina attacks.

7._____heavy lifting and sudden hard Exercise can cause angina attacks.

8._____you should avoid both very high and very cold weather if you have angina.

9._____it is okay to skip your doctor appointments if you feel fine.

10._____stress and worry can cause angina to worsen.

11.______keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control is important for people with angina.

12.______ nitroglycerin is a medicine that helps relieve angina and chest pain and should be taken only if the doctor has ordered.

13.______chest pain that does not go away with rest or medicine is an emergency.

14.______you should call 911 if you have new or worse chest pain.

15.______plaque buildup in the blood vessels can cause angina.

16.______you should stop taking your angina medicine whenever you feel better.

17.______angina pain can also be felt in the neck, jaw or the arms.

18._____ it is safe for a patient with angina to go outside and shovel snow.

19.______managing stress with calming activities can help reduce angina attacks.

20.______getting regular test like EKGs help to keep you safe when you have been diagnosed with angina.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Are you taking your heart medications as prescribed, and have you had any side effects or trouble remembering doses?

Can you describe what your angina pain usually feels like, where it is located, and what seems to bring it on?”

“Do you know what to do when you have chest pain, including when to take your nitroglycerin and when to call 911?”

“Have you noticed if stress, certain foods, or physical activity make your chest pain worse?”