1. Is Your Heart Getting Enough Oxygen?
Angina is chest discomfort or pain that happens when a part of your heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen via blood. Angina can feel like squeezing or pressure like pain in your chest, which can also occur in your arms, neck, shoulders, jaw or back. It may also feel like indigestion and is usually an indication of heart disease.
2. An Elephant Is Sitting on My Chest
Many people describe angina pain as if an elephant is sitting on their chest, meaning they are experiencing pressure, burning, squeezing and/or tightness in their chest. This type of symptom may start in the area behind the breastbone and may spread to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat or back. These symptoms occur when your heart must work harder; episodes of this type tend to be alike each time they occur.
3. My Arm and Jaw Are Tingling
Very often, angina may manifest as a tingling sensation similar to when your hand or foot "falls asleep." This is due to a lack of adequate circulation to the area and may also accompany seating, light-headedness, dizziness and weakness. These are tell tale signs that a cardiac condition may exist and it is imperative that you get to the hospital for assessment and receive appropriate treatment.
4. Sudden Nausea and Shortness of Breath
You may experience sudden nausea and shortness of breath which often occurs at rest, while sleeping at night. These symptoms may come on suddenly and may get worse as time progresses. This type of pain resolves by placing a nitroglycerin pill (prescribed by a physician) under the tongue which will relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
5. Anxiety vs. Angina
Angina may also mask itself in the form of anxiety and the symptoms associated with anxiety. Some people may have an increased heart rate, feel very anxious, develop pallor and cold sweats and have a feeling of impending doom. These signs need evaluation immediately to rule out any cardiac origin. It is important to remember that any type of chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes that does not get better with rest or medications may mean that you are having a heart attack and you should call 911 immediately to get to the nearest hospital.
