What should you know about pre-infarction angina?

Angina is discomfort caused when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood for its needs. Stable angina often follows a predictable pattern with exertion, whereas new, more frequent, longer-lasting, or rest-related symptoms are less predictable. Chest Tightness may spread to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder and can occur with sweating, nausea, or breathlessness. High blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions can raise concern, but symptoms alone cannot confirm a heart attack.

Stop exertion, sit upright, and call emergency services if symptoms are happening now, are severe, or do not settle promptly. Do not drive yourself. Use prescribed angina medicine exactly as directed; do not take someone else's medicine. An Electrocardiogram and blood tests may help clinicians distinguish angina from a heart attack. Keep a record of triggers and timing only if doing so does not delay care.

Treat chest discomfort with breathlessness, faintness, cold sweating, nausea, sudden weakness, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm as an emergency. New symptoms deserve urgent assessment even if they improve. Do not infer safety from a normal-looking pulse or from symptoms being brief.

Ask what pattern your symptoms suggest, which tests are needed, how to use prescribed rescue treatment, and whether Blood Pressure Medication or Statin Therapy is appropriate for your risk profile.