Stable Angina

Definition

Stable angina is chest pain or discomfort that typically occurs with activity or stress. The pain usually begins slowly and gets worse over the next few minutes before going away. It quickly goes away with medication or rest, but may happen again with additional activity or stress.

See also: Unstable angina

Symptoms

The most common symptom is chest pain that occurs behind the breastbone or slightly to the left of it. It may feel like tightness, heavy pressure, squeezing, or crushing pain. The pain may spread to the:

• Arm (usually the left)
• Back
• Jaw
• Neck
• Shoulder

Some people say the pain feels like gas or indigestion.

The pain typically:

• Occurs after activity, stress, or exertion
• Lasts an average of 1 - 15 minutes
• Is relieved with rest or a medicine called nitroglycerin

Angina attacks can occur at any time during the day, but most occur between 6 a.m. and noon.

Other symptoms of angina include:

• A feeling of indigestion or heartburn
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained tiredness after activity (more common in women)

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