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Angina Pectoris (cont.)

Self-Care at Home

Stop doing whatever it is that causes the symptoms and call 911. Immediate help and intervention is the best chance for survival if someone is having a heart attack or other serious problem.

  • Lie down in a comfortable position with the head up.

  • Chew a regular adult aspirin or its equivalent (as long as the patient is not allergic to aspirin). Chewing more than one will not do any good and may cause unwanted side effects.

If the patient has had angina before and been evaluated by a healthcare provider, follow his or her recommendations.

  • This may mean rest and the immediate use of sublingual nitroglycerin.

  • It may include a visit to the hospital emergency department.



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Angina Pectoris »

Angina pectoris is the result of myocardial ischemia caused by an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and oxygen demand.

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