Angina location

  In a person with known coronary artery disease and current narrowing,
  is it unusual for angina-like pain to be primarily confined to the arms
  (shoulders, elbows and between),with only minimal discomfort in the chest?
  The pain is not a result of exercising, and is accompanied by some
  shortness of breath, and can occur after moderate walking or at rest
  while sitting or lying down with no warning.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear David
Different patients manifest their angina in varied ways. What you describe could certainly be angina, though the fact that it occurs at rest is concerning, if it is in fact anginal pain. You should let your cardiologist know that you are having symptoms at rest, as this can be very serious.
Good luck. Feel free to write back with further questions.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).