Other
Cardiorespiratory Conditions Other
Medical ConditionsAngina is pain, tightness, or discomfort in the middle of your chest. Sometimes
these symptoms can spread into your jaw and arms. Angina is caused by a decreased
blood supply to your heart. This pain is often brought on by heavy activity
or exercise, however emotional changes can also cause angina. The pain often
leaves within 10 minutes if you lie down and rest.
Angina is often a warning sign for an upcoming heart attack, and therefore it is important to report this chest pain to your health care workers. If the pain does not go away following a 10 minute rest period, report it to your doctor immediately.
If you have had angina, it does not mean that you are definitely going to have a heart attack. Physical therapists can help teach you how to increase the health of your heart and decrease your risks of having a heart attack. Exercise is always important to help your heart get healthier, but you should NEVER exercise through angina. It is important to have a physical therapist initially monitor you during exercise and activity, to make sure your heart reacts properly.
Here is a helpful link that give more information on angina: