Stable angina

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Heart, front view

Stable angina

Angina - stable; Angina - chronic; Angina pectoris

Stable angina:

• Occurs after activity, stress, or exertion
• Lasts 1 to 15 minutes
• Is usually relieved with rest or nitroglycerin

The most common symptom is a feeling of tightness, heavy pressure, or squeezing or crushing chest pain that:

• Occurs under the breastbone or slightly to the left
• Is not clearly focused in one spot
• May spread to shoulder, arm, jaw, neck, back, or other areas
• May feel like gas or indigestion

You should seek medical attention if you have new, unexplained chest pain or pressure. If you have had angina before, call your doctor.

Immediately go to the hospital if chest pain or heaviness lasts longer than 15 minutes or is not relieved with medication prescribed by your doctor. The pain may represent unstable angina or a heart attack.

The following tests may be done to diagnose or rule out angina:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Exercise tolerance test (stress test or treadmill test) -- may show ECG changes
• Stress echocardiogram  -- may reveal problems with the heart's ability to pump blood
• Coronary angiography

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.