The first symptom generally is chest pain or chest discomfort which may be described as a pressure or heaviness beneath the breastbone (sternum) with associated neck, jaw or arm discomfort. The pattern varies from patient to patient and may have associated symptoms of sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea. This group of symptoms is referred to as angina. Angina is commonly brought on by physical work, mental work or stress, but may come on at rest or even while sleeping at night. Angina may be improved with the use of NTG (nitroglycerine), which helps the heart cope with these partial blockages.

If the blood supply to the blockage is not corrected rapidly, you may develop a "heart attack" (myocardial infarction). The area of the, heart muscle not receiving the blood supply will become scar tissue and will lose its ability to pump.

If your cardiologist or primary care physician has found coronary artery blockages during your catheterization, they have recommended coronary artery bypass surgery to protect your heart muscle from these threatening blockages. Ask your heart surgeon to mark the course of the proposed bypass grafts.