What should you know about menstruation angina symptoms?

Angina is discomfort caused when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness or tightness in the chest, and can spread to the arm, shoulder, jaw or back. Breathlessness, sweating, nausea or unusual tiredness may occur. Menstrual symptoms, anaemia, reflux, anxiety and muscle pain can feel similar, so the timing of bleeding cannot identify the cause.

A clinician may review symptoms, blood pressure, medical history and risk factors, and may arrange an electrocardiogram or other tests. Note what brings discomfort on, how long it lasts, what relieves it and whether it appears with exertion.

Stop exertion and sit down if chest discomfort begins. Follow any personal angina action plan and prescribed medicine instructions. Do not borrow heart medicines or change blood pressure or cholesterol treatment without advice. Arrange prompt medical review for a new symptom, a pattern linked with activity, or symptoms that are becoming easier to trigger.

Call emergency services immediately for chest pressure or tightness that is severe, new, persistent or not settling with rest, especially with breathlessness, sweating, fainting, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Do not drive yourself. Women can have less typical heart symptoms, so unusual weakness or breathlessness with chest discomfort also warrants urgent attention.

Could these symptoms be angina, and do I need an ECG or other assessment? How should I use prescribed treatment, and which warning signs mean I should call emergency services?