Angina

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

chest pain bought on by physical exertion, stress, anxiety
a syndrome where oxygenated blood flow to heart is restricted - commonly by hardening + narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

Question 2

Signs

Answer 2

congested facial expression, clutching chest or left arm, irregular pulse, shallow breathing

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

crushing chest pain that may travel down left arm or jaw, nausea, breathlessness,.

Question 4

Action

Answer 4

pts can take glycerol trinitrate tablet or spray, give oxygen, calm + reassure. Keep the casualty sitting upright but maintain airway. Call 999 if not recovery or loss of consciousness - suspect cardiac arrest

Question 5

Action

Answer 5

If the pain is still there five minutes after taking medication, suggest they take a second dose. If they’re still in pain after another five minutes, or the pain returns, presume it’s a heart attack. Call 999 or 112 for medical help.