This pain may also result in a difficulty of breathing. Chest heaviness is often described as an elephant sitting on the chest. Some also compare the pain to that of indigestion. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source

Women are statistically more likely than men to experience primary angina pain localized to an area other than the chest, or the chest pain may feel more like stabbing than pressure or tightness.

Fatigue Nausea Dizziness/fainting Sweating Shortness of breath Tightness in your chest

If you’re accustomed to monitoring symptoms of stable angina and your pain, the cause, the duration, or anything else deviates significantly from the norm, then you should seek immediate medical assistance because your angina has become unstable and could be a sign of a heart attack. Prinzmetal angina (or variant angina) is another form, but it’s related to heart spasms that interfere with blood flow. This form of angina can be alarming because it also deviates from a predictable schedule and is very painful. However, medications are available to help control the heart spasms at the root of it. These angina symptoms are often severe and occur at rest often between midnight and early morning and can be mistaken for unstable angina. Causes of Prinzmetal angina include cold weather, stress, medication, smoking and cocaine use. Consult your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.

Increased severity Symptoms lasting longer than 20 minutes Occurring at rest Occurring with less activity than usual New symptoms in association such as nausea, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, or a sense of impending doom Symptoms are not relieved by taking medication, such as nitroglycerin

Directions for nitroglycerin tablets and sprays usually suggest resting while taking a dose every five minutes (up to three doses) while symptoms continue. Use as directed and contact your care provider if the symptoms do not respond.

Estrogen protects women from heart disease. After menopause, estrogen levels drop drastically and translate into higher risks for angina in women. Women who have gone through early menopause, either naturally or as a result of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), are twice as likely to develop angina as women of the same age who have not yet entered menopause. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source

Having one first-degree relative diagnosed with early heart disease may increase your risk for angina and heart disease by as much as 33 percent. That risk can jump to as high as 50 percent if you have two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source

If you are younger than 60 years of age, hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on more than one occasion. If you are older than 60 years of age, hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg or higher on more than one occasion.

A complete lipoprotein profile is a blood test that measures total blood cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as “good” cholesterol), LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Both high levels of LDL (so-called “bad” cholesterol) and low levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol) can also result in atherosclerosis.

Hyperinsulinemia (fasting blood glucose level >100 mg/dL) Abdominal obesity (waist circumference >40 in for men or >35 in for women) Decreased HDL cholesterol levels (<40 mg/dL for men or <50 mg/dL for women) Hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides >150 mg/dL) Hypertension