Angina Symptoms

Symptoms of angina may include several signals. The angina itself is a symptom. Angina is not a disease. Rather, it is the main symptom of coronary heart disease. An uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing sensation, or pain in the center of the chest is a symptom. The pain may also feel like a tightness, burning, or heavy weight in the body. The discomfort is not necessarily localized to the chest. It may also be felt in the jaw, neck, upper arm, upper back, or upper abdomen. The pain may vary from mild to extremely intense.

Other symptoms may occur with angina.
- Shortness of breath
- Light-headedness
- Fainting
- Physical weakness or fatigue
- Sweating or cold, clammy skin
- Nausea
- Irregular heart beat, or rapid beating
- Pale skin
- Numbness
- Tingling

These symptoms are nearly identical to the signs of a heart attack. It is not always easy to tell the difference between angina and a heart attack. Usually, angina only lasts for a few seconds or minutes. Pain that is precursor to a heart attack persists and does not go away.

It is important to seek medical help right away. If you feel these symptoms and they are brand new to you, call your medical provider or dial 911. Emergency personnel will be able to help you right away.

If you have had angina before and you have already by evaluated by your health care provider, follow the advice that they have already instructed. This usually involves rest and taking medication.

However, if you have had angina before, at certain times you should still seek medical help right away. This includes
- If your usual pattern of symptoms changes
- If your symptoms are more severe or occur more frequently
- If your symptoms occur at rest or with less activity than usual
- If your symptoms do not get better with the usual treatment

Symptoms Not Associated With Angina
Not all chest pain is an occurrence of angina. Chest pain can be caused by a range of different problems, some of which are just as serious but others which are mild and not very problematic.
- Acid reflux: Acid reflux accompanies improper digestion. When acid reflux occurs, pain may be felt in the esophagus and chest area. Though this is a very uncomfortable sensation, it is not life threatening, unlike angina
- Upper respiratory infection: A respiratory infection is an infection that occurs in the chest and may cause unpleasant pain. This problem should be attended to by medical help so that it doesn't worsen.
- Asthma: Asthma is a condition that causes breathing problems and discomfort in the chest. This condition can be life threatening if not monitored.
- Soreness: Soreness may occur in the muscles and ligaments in the chest and cause discomfort. Soreness particularly follows exercise that uses these chest muscles, such as weight lifting.

Angina Symptom Triggers
There are several triggers that may set off angina and its symptoms.

During times of extreme physical exertion, such as intense exercise, the heart may not receive as much oxygen that is necessary to match level of exertion.

Strong emotions, such as stress, may cause angina symptoms.

Extremely cold temperatures may also increase the demand on the heart and cause the symptoms of angina.

During times when there isn't as much oxygen in the air, like when flying in an airplane or when mountain climbing, angina may occur.

Stimulants such as caffeine or smoking lower the oxygen levels in the blood and will set off angina.