What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for new or unexplained chest pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or returns, especially with sweating, nausea, breathlessness, or faintness. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
Contact your care team promptly for a change in your usual symptom pattern, reduced exercise tolerance, or medication problems. New or persistent chest symptoms need acute assessment.
Keep your care plan
Keep your treatment and follow-up plan. Bring questions, readings, and your medication list.
SECTION 2
What symptoms can CAD cause?
CAD can cause symptoms when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Some people have no symptoms, while others notice discomfort or reduced stamina.
Common symptoms
- Chest discomfort: Pressure, tightness, squeezing, heaviness, or burning.
- Discomfort outside the chest: Discomfort may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen.
- Shortness of breath: Especially with walking, climbing stairs, or exercise.
- Unusual fatigue: Feeling more tired during everyday activities.
Symptoms may appear during physical activity or emotional stress, when your heart needs more oxygen.
What is stable angina?
Angina is discomfort caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. Stable angina usually follows a familiar pattern—for example, discomfort when walking uphill that improves within a few minutes with rest or prescribed medication. Tell your cardiologist about these symptoms.
When could symptoms signal a heart attack?
Warning signs include new or worsening chest discomfort, discomfort at rest, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. Symptoms may develop gradually or come and go.
If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately—even if you are unsure. Do not drive yourself or wait for an office appointment.
Can CAD be present without chest pain?
Yes. CAD can be silent, or cause shortness of breath or fatigue instead of chest pain. Heart attack symptoms may be mild or absent, especially in older adults and people with diabetes.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.