What to Do During an Angina Attack
Aug 03, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
During an angina attack, patients are advised to lie flat or sit down and rest immediately. Simultaneously, they should take a sublingual dose of Jiu Xin Wan (Rescue Heart Pill) or nitroglycerin without delay. For patients who have a home electronic sphygmomanometer, family members should promptly measure the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate. If the patient’s blood pressure is not low and the heart rate is relatively elevated, oral administration of bisoprolol or metoprolol is recommended.
When it comes to angina pectoris, you shouldn’t be surprised—it is an extremely common condition that poses significant threats to human health, particularly impairing patients’ normal daily life and work. Yet, many people know very little about this disease. So, what should one do when angina strikes?
What to Do During an Angina Attack
When angina occurs, patients are advised to lie flat or sit down immediately and rest. Simultaneously, they should take a sublingual dose of nitroglycerin or a rapid-acting cardiac pill (e.g., Jiu Xin Wan). For patients who have an electronic sphygmomanometer at home, family members should promptly measure blood pressure and heart rate. If the patient’s blood pressure is not low and the heart rate is relatively elevated, oral administration of bisoprolol or metoprolol is recommended. If symptoms fail to improve significantly after medication, emergency services (120) should be contacted immediately, and the patient should be taken to the hospital for myocardial enzyme assays and electrocardiography (ECG).
During an angina attack, patients should rest on-site. Sublingual medications—including nitroglycerin, Musk Heart-Preserving Pills (She Xiang Bao Xin Wan), Compound Danshen Dropping Pills, and Rapid-Acting Cardiac Pills (Su Xiao Jiu Xin Wan)—may be administered. These drugs help dilate coronary arteries, improve myocardial perfusion, and relieve angina symptoms. Classic angina is characterized by a constricting or suffocating pain in the precordial region and behind the sternum; the pain may radiate to the left shoulder, back, left upper limb, pharynx, jaw, or teeth. Typically lasting more than 10 minutes, such symptoms usually subside with rest or medication. However, if symptoms persist without relief, acute myocardial infarction must be suspected. Prompt diagnostic evaluation—including ECG, myocardial enzyme assays, and troponin testing—is essential. Timely myocardial reperfusion therapy can significantly improve prognosis.
Patients are advised to follow a light, bland diet—avoiding spicy and irritating foods—and to abstain from smoking and alcohol. Maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles and avoiding late-night activities is also strongly recommended. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
