Information for the public

Information and support

Information and support

Your healthcare professional should explain stable angina to you and how it can be treated in the short and long term. They should discuss any concerns and ideas about stable angina that you, and if appropriate, your family or carers may have, and answer any questions. This should include talking about how stable angina might affect you. For example, you may be worried about having a heart attack or the effect of angina on your daily activities and life expectancy. Your healthcare professional should also explain that you should seek emergency or professional help if your angina suddenly gets worse, for example if the attacks happen more often or last longer, or if the pain is worse than before.

Lifestyle changes

People with angina have a higher risk than the general population of having a heart attack or stroke. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your healthcare professional should consider your need for psychological support, and advise you about:

  • stopping smoking

  • eating a healthy balanced diet

  • losing excess weight

  • taking regular exercise.

You may be offered treatments or other measures to help you make lifestyle changes if necessary. However, there is no evidence to suggest that taking vitamin or fish oil supplements can help improve your symptoms.

Your healthcare professional should also discuss other issues that may be important for you, for instance:

  • managing your stable angina yourself by pacing your activities and setting goals

  • any concerns about how stress, anxiety or depression could affect your angina

  • physical exertion including sexual activity.

Questions you might like to ask about stable angina

  • Can you tell me more about stable angina?

  • What should I do if I have an episode of angina?

  • What should I do if I keep having episodes of angina?

  • What changes can I make to my lifestyle to help my symptoms?

  • Is there anything I should avoid doing? For example, are there any types of exercise that I shouldn't do?

  • Are there any support organisations in my local area?

  • Can you provide any information for my family or carers?

  • Information Standard