After treatment, most people with angina can get back to a normal or
near-normal life. However, many people with angina have been living
excessively busy lives. You have a good reason to cut down on your
commitments, if you want to. Examine the way you live – do you have to
hurry to the train or bus in the morning? Would you be less harassed if you
planned your work better? Do you do unnecessary things?
Exercise
Exercise will help to keep your weight down, most people feel better
generally when they are fit. Walking, swimming, golf and cycling are all
good for the system. Weightlifting and press-ups are types of intense
“isometric” exercise which is not recommended. Highly competitive
exercise, such as squash, may be dangerous if you have a heart condition. Sex
The combination of physical activity and sexual excitement may bring
on an angina attack. But you do not need to avoid sexual activity, unless it
produces angina. Taking a glyceryl trinitrate tablet beforehand will usually
prevent an attack – beta-blockers are also useful.
Driving
You should inform the Licensing Authority (DVLC, Swansea) if angina
is brought on by driving. The Medical Advisory Branch may ask your
permission to get a report from your doctor.
Car drivers are not usually restricted but you need to tell your motor
insurance company, or your insurance could be invalid. There should be no
problem getting insurance cover as long as you get a note from your doctor
to say that you are fit to drive.
If you hold a large goods vehicle or passenger carrying vehicle license,
then this may be withdrawn. If you need this licence for your job then your
doctor may be asked for a detailed assessment.
Holidays and travel
Holidays are important and are recommended. You should organise
your journey to allow plenty of time. Avoid carrying heavy pieces of
luggage.
Air travel should be no problem in a modern pressurised aircraft. At an
airport, take a rest in the departure lounge so that an angina attack is less
likely when you walk to the departure gate. If your angina is likely to be
brought on by the hectic activity of an airport then tell the airline staff in
advance. They should be able to help you to board your flight with as little
stress as possible.
You should avoid high mountains, though if you have mild or moderate
angina you should be all right at heights up to about 2000 meters or 6600 feet.
The National Health Service does not pay for treatment while you are
out of the United Kingdom. Some countries, including all European
Community countries, have “reciprocal” arrangements with the United Kingdom. This means that part or most of your treatment will be free if you have a
certificate of entitlement. This certificate is available through your local DSS
office. You should ask for leaflet EIII “Health Care for Visitors to EC countries”.
In countries which do not have reciprocal arrangements with the United
Kingdom you will need private health insurance. You can arrange this through
your travel agent or insurance broker.
Alcohol
In small amounts, alcohol will not harm your heart. In fact, it might help to
relieve tension, but you must be very careful of the effect of alcohol on your
weight. The recommended safe guidelines are:
days.
up to 21 units per week for men,
up to 14 units per week for women.
These should be spread through the week, with two or three drink- free
[1 unit pint beer OR a glass of wine OR a small glass of sherry- single
pub measure of spirits.]
Changes you should tell your doctor about
Contact your doctor if your angina attacks become more frequent or more
severe. This is especially important if your angina comes on while you are resting
in chair, or if the trinitrate tablets seem to become less effective.
Conclusion
Many people find the word ‘angina’ frightening – it conjures up ideas of
severe disability and death. In fact, most angina patients with modern treatment
live full lives for many years. Successful treatment, however, depends upon good
co-operation between the patient, his or her close associates and the doctor. Drug
treatment or surgery are not enough – the patient must adopt a lifestyle that wil
minimise the risk of further heart trouble.