If you develop CAD, you may experience symptoms of angina. These symptoms include:

• Pain, pressure, tightness or heaviness of the chest, back, arms, neck and/or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Burning or aching pain in the chest, throat and/or jaw
• Tingling or numbness

Angina pressure and pain can occur in one or more of the following regions:

• The entire upper chest or just left of the breast bone (directly over the heart)
• Upper abdomen
• Mid-chest, jaw or neck
• Back and between the shoulder blades
• Inside one or both arms and/or the shoulder(s)

Unlike a heart attack, angina does not cause permanent damage, but it's still a critical CAD sign that should be recognized and treated. The most common treatment for angina is nitroglycerin, which opens the blood vessels allowing more oxygen to reach the heart. The result is a reduction or elimination of angina discomfort.