Coronary Artery Disease

Symptoms of coronary artery disease

The most common symptoms of coronary artery disease are:

• Reference Angina Opens New Window symptoms such as chest pain or pressure.
• Shortness of breath when exercising or during another vigorous activity.

Unfortunately, sometimes a heart attack is the first sign of coronary artery disease.

Some people who have coronary artery disease and insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia) do not have any symptoms. This is called "silent ischemia." In rare instances, you can even have a "silent heart attack," a heart attack without symptoms.

Symptoms of heart attack

For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain.

Women are also more likely than men to delay seeking help for a possible heart attack. Women delay for many reasons, like not being sure it is a heart attack, or not wanting to bother others. But it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have symptoms of a possible heart attack that last for 5 minutes, call 911 right away.

Angina

Reference Angina (say "ANN-juh-nuh" or "ann-JY-nuh") happens when there is not enough blood flow to the heart. Symptoms include:

• Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
• Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.

Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness or sudden weakness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Know what your angina feels like and what is typical for you so that you know when to call for help. You may feel symptoms of angina in Reference areas other than the chest Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.

Reference Stable angina Opens New Window has a typical pattern. You can likely predict when it will happen. It happens when your heart is working harder and needs more oxygen, such as during exercise. Symptoms go away when you rest or take nitroglycerin.

Reference Unstable angina Opens New Window is a change in your usual pattern of stable angina. It happens when blood flow to the heart is suddenly slowed by narrowed vessels or small blood clots. Unstable angina is a warning sign that a heart attack may soon occur. It is an emergency. It may happen at rest or with light activity. It does not go away with rest or nitroglycerin.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.