Angina and quality of life
Because angina can be triggered by daily tasks, your everyday life may be interrupted.
The fear of chest pain or discomfort may stand in the way of simple chores and leisure
activities. Limitations to your life may become emotionally burdening. Together,
these physical and emotional burdens can lower your quality of life.
Quality of life refers to the way you feel and
your ability to perform as you would like to.9 Your quality of life may
be affected by your health, your angina, and your physical and social abilities.
For most patients with angina, quality of life is affected. Results from one study
showed that 82% of patients with angina downsized their lifestyle in order to avoid
angina attacks. Many patients limit physical activities. Patients also spend more
time resting and sleeping.8
Talk to your cardiologist about your heart’s desires
Talk to your cardiologist if you feel your chronic angina has affected your quality of life.
Speak from your heart about the activities angina has stopped you from doing. Together
you and your cardiologist can discuss ways to better manage your angina and allow
you to get back to your life.
You can help your cardiologist understand where angina is interrupting your everyday
life. Keep a log of your angina attacks. Record:
- The time of day an attack happened
- What you were doing at the time of the attack
- How long the attack lasted
- What the symptoms were
- How severe the symptoms were
- What you did to relieve the attack
It is important to speak to your cardiologist about your angina
Share how you are feeling, and let your cardiologist know how angina is affecting
you both physically and emotionally. Together you can discuss ways to better manage
your angina and improve your quality of life. Click here to learn
more.
