Pain and discomfort are the main symptoms of angina.
Angina is often described as pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness in the
chest. It usually starts in the chest behind the breastbone.
Pain from angina also can occur in the arms,
shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. It may feel like indigestion.
Some people say that angina discomfort is hard to
describe or that they can't tell exactly where the pain is coming from.
Symptoms such as nausea (feeling sick to your
stomach), fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, sweating, light-headedness,
or weakness also may occur. Women are more likely to feel discomfort in their
back, shoulders, and abdomen.
Symptoms vary based on the type of angina.
Stable Angina
The pain or discomfort:
Occurs when the heart must work harder, usually
during physical exertion
Doesn't come as a surprise, and episodes of pain
tend to be alike
Usually lasts a short time (5 minutes or less)
Is relieved by rest or medicine
May feel like gas or indigestion
May feel like chest pain that spreads to the
arms, back, or other areas
Unstable Angina
The pain or discomfort:
Often occurs at rest, while sleeping at night, or
with little physical exertion
Comes as a surprise
Is more severe and lasts longer (as long as 30
minutes) than episodes of stable angina
Is usually not relieved with rest or medicine
May get continually worse
May mean that a
heart
attack will happen soon
Variant Angina
The pain or discomfort:
Usually occurs at rest and during the night or
early morning hours
Tends to be severe
Is relieved by medicine
Lasting Chest Pain
Chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes and
isn't relieved by rest or angina medicine may mean you're having (or are about
to have) a heart attack. Call 9–1–1 right away.
