Care for Angina

Get immediate medical attention.

Usually angina only lasts a few minutes, but if the pain lasts longer, it may mean that you have a sudden, total blockage of a coronary artery or that you may be having a heart attack and you need to get help immediately. If you are experiencing chest pain or pressure that is not relieved with rest or nitroglycerin after 15 minutes, you may be having a heart attack. Don’t delay. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency response number immediately.

What to do?

Have the victim rest.
If the victim has nitroglycerin, help the victim use it.
If pain lasts longer than 10 minutes, suspect a heart attack and call 9-1-1.

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