What should you know about static angina?

The term static angina is often used for stable angina: a recurring pattern in which the heart muscle needs more oxygen than narrowed coronary arteries can supply during effort, stress, or cold weather. Discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or chest tightness, and it can spread to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or unusual fatigue may accompany it. A familiar pattern still needs medical assessment because symptoms can change. Hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors may contribute to coronary artery disease.

Stop the activity when symptoms begin, sit upright, and use prescribed angina medicine exactly as instructed. Keep a record of what triggered the discomfort, how long it lasted, where it spread, and how it settled. Arrange a clinical review for a new symptom, a change in frequency or intensity, or discomfort occurring with less effort. Assessment may include an examination, blood pressure checks, an electrocardiogram, and other tests chosen for your situation. Treatment can include blood pressure medication, cholesterol management, and an activity plan.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that is severe, lasts longer than expected, happens at rest, is not relieved by your prescribed plan, or feels different from your usual pattern. Act urgently if it comes with marked breathlessness, fainting, cold sweat, confusion, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Do not drive yourself. A change from predictable exertional symptoms can signal an acute heart problem and should not be judged by waiting to see whether it passes.

Does my symptom pattern fit stable angina or another cause? Which tests are appropriate? What should I do during an episode, and when should I call emergency services? How should blood pressure, cholesterol, activity, and other risk factors be managed?