How do I explain my angina plan (what to do in an episode) to family or colleagues? 

Being diagnosed with angina doesn’t just affect you; it affects the people around you. Family members often worry excessively, hovering over you at the slightest cough, while colleagues may have no idea what to do if you suddenly fall ill. The goal of sharing your plan is not to scare them, but to empower them. When people know exactly what to do, panic is replaced by process. A clear, simple explanation ensures that if you can’t speak for yourself, your safety is still in good hands. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• Why sharing your plan reduces anxiety for everyone. 

• The ‘Need-to-Know’ basics: Where is the spray? When do I need it? 

• How to explain the difference between ‘Just a rest’ and ‘Call 999.’ 

• A simple script for colleagues (professional and discreet). 

• A more detailed plan for family members. 

• The importance of the ‘15-Minute Rule.’ 

• Creating a visible ‘Wallet Card’ for emergencies. 

The Core Message: Keep It Simple 

You do not need to explain the biology of atherosclerosis. You need to explain the mechanics of the emergency. Break it down into three stages: 

1. The Pause: ‘I need to sit down.’ 

2. The Spray: ‘I need my medication.’ 

3. The Call: ‘If it doesn’t work, call 999.’ 

Explaining the Medication (GTN) 

People are often terrified of handling other people’s medication. Reassure them that they cannot hurt you with it. 

• Location: Tell them exactly where it is (e.g., ‘It’s always in my front left pocket’ or ‘Top drawer of my desk’). 

• The Method: ‘If I look like I’m in pain, hand me this spray. If I can’t do it myself, spray it once under my tongue.’ 

• The Side Effect: Warn them: ‘I might get a headache or look flushed. That’s normal, it means the drug is working.’ 

The ‘When to Call 999’ Rule 

This is the most critical part. Bystanders often call an ambulance immediately (which might be unnecessary) or wait too long (which is dangerous). Give them a specific time limit. 

• The Script: ‘If I take the spray and the pain doesn’t go away after 15 minutes (or two doses), you must call 999. Don’t ask me if I’m sure, just call.’ 

• Why 15 Minutes? NHS guidelines state that if chest pain does not ease after two doses of GTN taken 5 minutes apart (15 minutes total), it should be treated as a heart attack. 

Talking to Colleagues: The Professional Approach 

You don’t need to announce your condition to the whole office. Identify one or two trusted colleagues or a First Aider. 

• What to say: ‘I have a heart condition called angina. It’s usually very stable, but if I ever look unwell or hold my chest, I need to sit down immediately. My medication is in my bag. If I’m not better in 15 minutes, please call an ambulance.’ 

• The Benefit: This prevents the embarrassing ‘office spectacle’ where everyone crowds around. Your trusted person can take charge and clear the room. 

Talking to Family: The ‘Drill’ 

Family members are emotionally involved, so they are more likely to panic. Run through a ‘dry run’ or drill. 

• Show them: Physically show them the bottle. Let them hold it. 

• Practice: ‘If I say ‘I need the spray,’ you go to the kitchen, get it, and bring it to me. I will sit on the floor or the sofa.’ 

• Reassurance: Remind them that most attacks pass in 2–3 minutes and that they don’t need to be afraid every time you sit down. 

The ‘Wallet Card’ Strategy 

When pain strikes, you might be too breathless to speak. A printed card in your wallet or on your work lanyard speaks for you. 

Draft Text for Card: 

I HAVE ANGINA 

1. Please help me SIT DOWN. 

2. My GTN SPRAY is in my pocket/bag. 

3. Spray ONCE under my tongue. 

4. Wait 5 minutes. Repeat if pain persists. 

5. If pain persists after 15 minutes or I collapse, CALL 999. 

Conclusion 

Explaining your plan is an act of safety, not weakness. By giving your family and colleagues a clear script, you remove the burden of decision-making from them during a crisis. They don’t have to guess if you are having a heart attack; they just have to follow the clock and the rules you gave them. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK-trained physician (MBBS) with extensive experience in emergency medicine and cardiology. Having witnessed how bystander confusion can delay life-saving treatment, Dr. Fernandez provides a clear, non-alarmist script to help you communicate your needs to those around you. This content has been reviewed to ensure alignment with NHS and BHF safety guidelines, empowering your support network to act confidently, not frantically.