What does it feel like?
The site and character of pain are very similar to those of stable angina. It is a pressure, fullness, heaviness, or frank pain sensation, felt at the chest either localized to one place or a generalized pressure all over the chest. It can also be felt in the jaw, left arm or shoulder, or the abdomen. It can be associated with:
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- Sweating, but without fever
- Dyspnea (difficulty of breathing)
- Feeling of general weakness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Burning sensation near the stomach
If you are a female, always remember that any of the above symptoms, especially fatigue without pain or chest discomfort, can indicate angina and is enough to warn you to seek medical care.
The main difference between the stable and unstable angina is the duration and severity of the episode. Stable angina tends to be brief and lasts for a few minutes (1-10 minutes), while unstable angina may last for up to 30 minutes. Stable angina recurs in response to physical exertion, while unstable angina can occur at rest. Finally, stable angina has a dramatic reaction to nitroglycerin, while unstable angina is more or less resistant to it. The simple explanation to all these differences is the different mechanisms by which each develops, a narrowed artery by contraction of muscles, or excessive demand can revert by rest or relaxing such muscles. On the other hand, a clogged artery needs more time to remove the blood clot formed and is not related to effort or oxygen demand to be relieved by rest.
