angina question

[cincyman78]

Over the last couple of years I experience different types of small pains in and around my chest. Sometimes they are on the left side, sometimes the right side. They happen when I am just sitting doing nothing, and do not happen when exercising and I do not get shortness of breath. My question is what does angina feel like?  Is it always the same type of pain?  is what I am experiencing sound like angina or something different?

[babsie105]

No, it is NOT 'always the same type of pain'!  In fact there may be no sensation of 'pain' at all, but merely a squeezing, hugging sensation in the chest area that lasts for about a minute, goes away, then comes back again.  And this is NOT during exercise or activity, but when at rest (lying down, sleeping.)  This is called Prinzmetal's angina, named for the doc who documented it.

I had this type and happened to mention it to my internist, who saw a red flag.

Bottom line:  any and all chest pains should be presented to a doctor.

[babsie105]

No, it is NOT 'always the same type of pain'!  In fact there may be no sensation of 'pain' at all, but merely a squeezing, hugging sensation in the chest area that lasts for about a minute, goes away, then comes back again.  And this is NOT during exercise or activity, but when at rest (lying down, sleeping.)  This is called Prinzmetal's angina, named for the doc who documented it.

I had this type and happened to mention it to my internist, who saw a red flag.

Bottom line:  any and all chest pains should be presented to a doctor.

[Smiley2000]

help>

[cincyman78]

thanks smiley i appreciate your input. Anyone have any insight into my question?

[Smiley2000]

someone please help!

[Smiley2000]

Hi there.

I am 32, female.  I want you to know that you are not alone.  At rest - I have also been getting burning pains (as you describe small pains) around my chest for the last month or so.  It is also sometimes on the left side and then sometimes on the right, just off-center.  When I exert myself I don't get SOB and pains, but I get heavy palpitations in my throat.

What are your Cholestorol levels like?  Mine is high (6,9) and hereditory.  I had an Angiogram done in Jan.2007 and it came out normal, but now, 1 year later I also wonder if this can be the start of Angina?

I am going to see my Cardio in March for my 6-montly check up for a leaky valve and then I'll ask him what these pains are.

i hope someone reading this can help us because I have noticed that there are a few people posting on this site that have similar symptoms...