What should you know about different kinds of angina?

Stable angina follows a predictable pattern, often starting with exertion or emotional stress and easing with rest or prescribed medicine. Unstable angina is new, more frequent, more intense, longer-lasting or occurring at rest; it can signal an acute problem with blood flow and is an emergency. Variant angina is caused by temporary tightening of a coronary artery and may occur at rest, often at a similar time of day.

Discomfort can feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness or chest tightness, and may spread to an arm, jaw, back or neck. Breathlessness, sweating, nausea or unusual weakness can accompany it. Hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors may contribute, but symptoms require assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Stop exertion and use prescribed angina medicine exactly as directed. Arrange a medical review for a recurring pattern, even if it settles. An electrocardiogram and other tests may help assess the heart. Treatment can include lifestyle support and medicines chosen for your risks and symptom pattern, such as blood pressure medication or statin therapy.

Keep a record of what brings symptoms on, how long they last and what relieves them. Do not borrow someone else’s heart medicine or delay review because discomfort is mild.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that starts at rest, is new or worsening, lasts longer than expected, returns repeatedly, or comes with severe breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Sit and rest while waiting, follow your prescribed emergency instructions and do not drive yourself.

Ask which pattern your symptoms suggest, which tests are appropriate, how to use your prescribed medicine, what activity level is safe, which risk factors need treatment, and exactly when to call emergency services.