Can Warm Water Relieve Angina?

Warm water is not an effective remedy for relieving angina. Angina occurs due to the narrowing of coronary arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart. Common triggers include intense physical activity, emotional stress, excitement, overeating, and infections. These situations increase the heart's demand for oxygen, creating an imbalance between oxygen supply and consumption, ultimately leading to chest pain or discomfort.

How to Manage an Angina Episode

When angina occurs, it is essential to identify and eliminate the triggering factor. Patients are typically advised to rest and take sublingual nitroglycerin, quick-acting heart-saving pills, or compound danshen dripping pills. These medications help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, thereby alleviating symptoms effectively.

Expected Relief Time After Taking Medication

In most cases, symptoms begin to subside within 2 to 3 minutes after taking the medication. However, in rare instances, it may take up to 30 minutes for the discomfort to ease. If the chest pain persists beyond half an hour and the prescribed medications fail to provide relief even after repeated doses, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) should be suspected.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance if angina symptoms last longer than 30 minutes. Doctors may perform diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, coronary CTA, or coronary angiography to assess the extent of arterial blockage and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.