Angina Pectoris-First aid guide
The term Angina Pectoris refers chest pain
that is cardiac in origin due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.
Angina occurs when coronary vessels that supply the heart muscles with blood
become narrowed and cannot carry sufficient blood during exercise and
excitement.
Recognition
- Pain easing with rest.
- Shortness of breath.
- Central chest pain spreading to the jaw.
- Feeling of anxiety.
Priorities
- Ensure casualty rests to ease strain to heart.
- Help the casualty take any medication prescribed to them by a doctor as directed.
- Obtain medical help.
Steps in administering aid.
- Help the casualty to stop activity, keep bystanders away and reassure him.
- Help the casualty to take anti Angina medication e.g. aerosol spray or tablets.
- If the pain subsides, the casualty will resume his activities.
- Ask him to seek medical advice.
- If the pain persists, or returns, suspect a heart attack and call an ambulance.
