What should you know about postinfarction angina?

Angina may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, burning, or tightness in the chest, sometimes spreading to an arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or unusual weakness can occur. Symptoms may appear with activity or stress, but new symptoms at rest, symptoms lasting longer, or a changed pattern are more concerning. High blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions can increase strain on the heart. Only an assessment can distinguish angina from another cause.

Follow the discharge plan from your cardiac team and take prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Do not stop blood-pressure treatment or statin therapy without advice. Keep a record of triggers, duration, associated symptoms, and what relieved them. Arrange prompt review for any new or recurring discomfort after a heart attack; an ECG and other tests may be needed.

Call emergency services immediately for chest pressure or tightness that is severe, persistent, occurs at rest, or comes with breathlessness, fainting, cold sweating, or marked weakness. Do not drive yourself. Use prescribed rescue medicine only according to your individual instructions, and seek emergency help if symptoms do not settle promptly.

Could this symptom represent recurrent angina or another problem? What should I do if it occurs at rest? How should my medicines be taken? Do I need an ECG, blood tests, or cardiology review?