Angina

Angina is a feeling of tightness or pain in the chest that happens when the heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood.

Treatment: Often, symptoms can be controlled with medicine. Angina caused by blocked arteries can be treated with balloon angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. When caused by coronary artery disease, angina treatment should involve lifestyle changes, including:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Losing weight
  • Getting more regular exercise, as prescribed by your health care provider
  • Lowering your blood pressure (if high)
  • Lowering your blood cholesterol (if high)
  • Lowering your blood sugar (if high)