Angina:

Description:

Angina Pectoris, commonly known as Angina, is chest pain due to ischaemia (lack of blood and therefore oxygen supply to the heart muscle). This is usually caused by obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries (two arteries supplying the heart with blood). Is usually brought on by exertion or stress, but can be sudden onset at rest.

Stable Angina

Signs & Symptoms:

• The most common symptom is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the chest which can fell tight dull or heavy (often described as vice like) and last just a few minutes 3-8 minutes.
• Sudden, usually during exercise, stress, extreme weather or even eating.
• Pain chest area, can be in either arm, neck, jaw back or shoulders.
• Skin pale, clammy sweaty.
• Short of breath.

Factors that can cause the symptoms of Angina to occur are called Angina Triggers.

Treatment:

• Stop what they are doing and sit down (half sitting position is good)
• See it they have their own medication (GTN spray or tablets) and ask them to use it
• Reduce any causes of stress or anxiety
• If the pain does not go away dial 999.

Unstable Angina

The Symptoms of unstable Angina are the same as for stable Angina but they do not follow the usual pattern:

• Can develop without any angina triggers present.
• Can persist even when you are resting.
• Can last longer than 5 minutes.
• May not respond to GTN.

Amputation: 

Description:

A limb that has been partially or completely severed.

Signs & Symptoms:

• History of trauma (injury) from external pressure.

• Limb may be completely detached or remain partially attached by tissue.

• Patient may be suffering from shock. Shock can be psychological (mental) which can 

   give symptoms such as palpitations and feeling faint but doesn't usually lead to physical collapse.

   However shock can be also be physiological (circulatory) resulting from blood loss which can

   lead to collapse or even death.

Treatment:

• Wear protective gloves.

• Lay the patient down if they feel faint.

• Control any bleeding with pressure dressings.

• Place the amputated limb in a plastic bag or cling film.

• Place bag in or around a package of ice.

• Dial 999.

CAUTION:

• Do not wash the severed part.

• Do not allow the severed part to come into direct contact with ice or water.

We hope you find this article useful. This is one in an alphabetical series of articles addressing various symptoms and their first aid treatments. If you would like more information on related resuscitation and first aid training, please get in touch.

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