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Angina and Other Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Angina and Other Symptoms of Coronary Artery DiseaseWhen you have Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, the blood flow to your heart is reduced by plaque build-up.Less blood means less oxygen is supplied to the heart muscle to help it do its job.When part of your heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen, you might feel angina.Angina is pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest, arms, neck, shoulder, back or jaw.Angina can be stable or unstable.If you have stable angina, you’ll notice that certain activities trigger it. It could be lifting heavy things, activityor stress. Usually it lasts less than 5 minutes and goes away with rest or medicine.Unstable Angina, however, comes on without warning. It is not relieved by rest or medicine, the pain may bemore severe than stable angina, and can be a sign of a heart attack.If you experience unstable Angina call 911 immediately.Other symptoms of CAD can include… shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating, irregularor faster heartbeat, and dizziness or weakness.Make sure to call your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.“Men typically present with pressure, chest pain, crushing pain in the center of their chest that’sbrought on by exertion or is relieved with rest. It may radiate into their neck or jaw and cause them tobe short of breath, sweaty or clammy. Women on the other hand can have a heart attack and neverreally ever experience chest pain; their only symptoms may be shortness of breath or jaw pain orunusual fatigue or tiredness.”And be alert for any indication that your Coronary Artery Disease may be getting worse.If you start to have symptoms more often, they are more severe, or last for longer periods of time, let yourhealthcare provider know.And if you’ve been prescribed nitroglycerin, take it as directed.If you experience any symptoms that last for more than five minutes, call 911. These can be signs of a heartattack, so get help fast.Page 1 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
Heart & Vascular Center
Never ignore chest discomfort or tightness. It could be angina-a warning sign that your heart isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
Know the signs and symptoms that signal you should contact your healthcare provider.
Watch this video to learn decision-making processes for seeking help for heart failure.
Watch this to learn that angina can happen at rest.
