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In spite of having angina, most people are able to continue working. Yet individuals with angina often have fast-paced schedules that could benefit from some improvement. A diagnosis of angina is a good reason to cut down on commitments and to examine one's lifestyle. For example: |
- 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?
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If "yes" is the answer to these questions, a slower, more efficient schedule should relieve stress and lessen the chance of an attack.
Intense physical labor is inappropriate, and special regulations apply to people who are licensed for heavy goods vehicles or public service vehicles. Driving a car is generally allowed, provided that angina does not occur while driving. |
The combination of physical activity and sexual excitement may bring on an angina attack. But individuals need not avoid sexual activity, unless it produces angina. Attacks usually can be prevented by taking a nitrate or beta-blocker beforehand. |
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If you are taking nitrate medication such as nitroglycerin, you should not take Viagra . The deaths that have been reported for people using Viagra are those with coronary heart disease who are also taking nitrates. |
It is better not to consume alcohol at all. However, in small amounts, alcohol may not harm the heart. In fact, it might help to relieve tension. But people must be careful to ensure that alcohol does not increase body weight. |
If one has to drink, under mentioned limits must be adhered to: |
- Women - No more than one standard drink per day
- Men - No more than two standard drinks per day
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A standard drink is the equivalent of: |
- 12 oz. regular beer (5% alcohol), or
- 1.5 oz. 80% distilled spirits (40% alcohol), or
- 5 oz. wine (12% alcohol)
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If the coronary arteries are partly blocked, the chances are that the individual has been eating too many fatty foods and has a high level of cholesterol in the blood. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid fats in general and saturated fats in particular (such as dairy products and fatty meat).
People with high blood pressure (hypertension) should limit salt intake (for example, aim for a target of under 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day) and learn to use other seasonings such as garlic, lemon, and onion.
Eat lean meats, use little or no butter, and switch to skimmed or semi-skimmed milk. Grill food rather than frying it. Eat plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables. |
