Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
CAD may progress without any symptoms.
Angina is chest pain that comes and goes. It often has a squeezing or pressure-like quality. It may radiate into the shoulder(s), arm(s), or jaw. Angina usually lasts for about 2-10 minutes. It is often relieved with rest. Angina can be triggered by:
- Exercise or exertion
- Emotional stress
- Cold weather
- A large meal
Chest pain may indicate more serious unstable angina or a heart attack if:
- It is unrelieved by rest or nitroglycerin
- Severe angina
- Angina that begins at rest (with no activity)
- Angina that lasts more than 15 minutes
Accompanying symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Weakness
Immediate medical attention is needed for unstable angina. CAD in women may cause less classic chest pain. It is likely to start with shortness of breath and fatigue.