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Heart, front view Stable angina
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Stable angina
Alternative Names: Angina - stable; Angina - chronic; Angina pectoris Symptoms: Stable angina: Occurs after activity, stress, or exertion Lasts 1 to 15 minutes Is usually relieved with rest or nitroglycerin Text Continues Below 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. Signs and tests: 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 References: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Treatment for Chest Pain. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; January 31, 2006. Press Release P06-15. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2005: 1281-1308. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>