Angina, chest pain caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart usually caused by exertion or emotional stress, occurs in people with coronary artery disease. An increase in activity or emotional stress raise the heart's demand for oxygen and blood flow. Since coronary artery disease narrows the blood vessels of the heart it's difficult for more blood to reach the heart. Chest pain results. Stable angina, the most common type of angina, has symptoms that follow a predictable, specific pattern, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states.
Short-Lived Discomfort
The sensation of stable angina is rarely described as pain, the Merck Manual reports. The discomfort may be described as an ache, as pressure or even as a severe crushing feeling. Discomfort may travel into the left shoulder, down the arm and into the fingers or may affect the back. Some people feel discomfort on the right rather than the left side. Discomfort may even affect the jaw, throat and teeth. Stable angina rarely lasts more than five minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic's health education website, and may disappear more quickly if a person takes angina medication or rests. Medications such as nitroglycerin widen the blood vessels so more blood flows to the heart, and rest decreases the demand for oxygen.
Because the tone of the arteries changes during the day, the discomfort of angina occurs more often in the morning, when the arteries are stiffer, according to the Merck Manual. Discomfort never occurs above the ears or below the navel. (see reference 1) Cold exposure or walking into the wind may intensify stable angina.
Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety may occur with stable angina. Some people feel like something bad will happen, the experts on the PDR Health website add, sometimes described as feelings of impending doom. Heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat or dizziness may contribute to the anxiety of stable angina.
Respiratory Symptoms
Stable angina can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, also called dyspnea. Dyspnea is caused by an increase in left ventricular filling that often accompanies ischemia, or low oxygenation levels, the Merck Manual explains.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms of stable angina include indigestion, with bloating, gas and abdominal distress that may improve with belching, the Merck Manual states. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Burning discomfort may mimic indigestion.
