My Grandfather suffered an angina attack…some advice?
Hi
My Grandfather suffered from an angina attack yesterday, he seems to be ok. (Him and my Grandmother live far away and I am unable to get there today)
But it is the second angina attack he has had in the last I think about 6 months max, he is 82.
Is angina really serious?
Can you recover from it?
Thanks xxxxx
he went to the hospital and he has changed is diet now and eats a low fat diet. (Changed diet a year or so ago)
Angina is actually caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. This is common in people as they get older. Your Grandfather will have been given drugs to help control these symptoms. 2 attacks in 6 months is not bad at all. If his symptoms become more frequent then he may need his medication reviewing.
If the arteries in the heart are narrowed this results in a reduction of bloody supply to the heart or part of the heart. The hearts response to this is pain. Your grandfather may have been given a GTN spray (in a little red bottle) to spray under his tongue or tablets to take when he gets an attack. Try not to worry too much. If he was having these attacks more frequently, then it would indicate his angina was not under control and this would require further action, but attacks will happen from time to time.
No lasting damage is caused from having an angina attack.
Posted in angina attack
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Angina is a term used to describe chest pains. It’s a symptom of other problems, such as cardiac failure or other cardiopulmonary disease. By itself, it’s not an issue, but if he’s been diagnosed with other problems, then it could be time to visit a bit more often.
References :
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
He is having angina attacks because he has a bad heart. Attacks like that are sort of a warning of things to come. Unfortunately he needs to see a dr and follow his/her orders. Episodes of angina occur when the heart’s need for oxygen increases beyond the oxygen available from the blood nourishing the heart. Physical exertion is the most common trigger for angina. Other triggers can be emotional stress, extreme cold or heat, heavy meals, alcohol, and cigarette smoking. The underlying coronary artery disease that causes angina should be attacked by controlling existing "risk factors." These include high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, and excess weight. If the doctor has prescribed a drug to lower blood pressure, it should be taken as directed. Advice is available on how to eat to control weight, blood cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. A physician can also help patients to stop smoking. Taking these steps reduces the likelihood that coronary artery disease will lead to a heart attack.
References :
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I believe so. I hear the nitroglycerine helps.
References :
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Angina is serious, but is manageable, it has the same causes as an M.I. (heart attack) but the effects are usualy fleeting as he has ony had 2 episode in 6 months it would seem to be well controlled, you "recover" from an attack as soon as the pain has gone with hopefully little or no damage to the heart muscle.
Email me if you need to know anything else
References :
Ex Coronary Care Nurse
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Angina is actually caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. This is common in people as they get older. Your Grandfather will have been given drugs to help control these symptoms. 2 attacks in 6 months is not bad at all. If his symptoms become more frequent then he may need his medication reviewing.
If the arteries in the heart are narrowed this results in a reduction of bloody supply to the heart or part of the heart. The hearts response to this is pain. Your grandfather may have been given a GTN spray (in a little red bottle) to spray under his tongue or tablets to take when he gets an attack. Try not to worry too much. If he was having these attacks more frequently, then it would indicate his angina was not under control and this would require further action, but attacks will happen from time to time.
No lasting damage is caused from having an Angina attack.
References :
Cardiac Nurse