What you can do:

• To prevent acute angina attacks, avoid situations that increase oxygen demands on the heart such as physical exertion, high altitude, temperature extremes, and stress.
• Prevention of heart disease is best accomplished by: Seeking medical treatment for underlying causes or risks; Avoiding smoking; Eating a diet low in fat, cholesterol and salt; Losing weight if overweight; and Performing regular aerobic exercise, 3-4 times weekly.
• For more information, contact the American Heart Association @ 1-800 242-8721.

What you can expect:

• With proper treatment and lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors, most people are able to maintain a full and active life.
• Complications can include heart attack, congestive heart failure and dangerous, irregular heart rhythms.

Seek immediate medical assistance if chest pain continues for more than 10 to 15 minutes after physical exertion or if nitroglycerin fails to relieve the discomfort (if more than 2 nitroglycerin tabs are needed); if you wake up with chest pain which does not go away with 1 nitroglycerin tablet; or if an attack occurs and the pain is different or more severe than usual!

Early treatment in the emergency room is critical during a heart attack! DO NOT try to get to the hospital by yourself. Call for an ambulance! These professionals can begin to administer life saving medications and therapy immediately.