Diseases and Conditions

Small vessel disease

Symptoms

Small vessel disease signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pain, squeezing or discomfort (angina), which may get worse with activity or emotional stress
  • Discomfort in the left arm, jaw, neck, back or abdomen along with chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness and lack of energy

If you've been treated for coronary artery disease with angioplasty and stents and your signs and symptoms haven't gone away, you might also have small vessel disease.

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency medical care if you're having chest pain and other signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain that spreads beyond your chest to one or both of your arms or to your neck.

It might be hard to tell if some symptoms are due to small vessel disease, especially if you don't have chest pain. See your health care provider to determine the cause of your symptoms.

If you have new or unexplained chest pain or think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or emergency medical assistance immediately.