Angina after CABG surgery

Is it angina or incisional pain?

Angina will likely be similar to the chest pain you had before surgery. This may feel like indigestion, a sharp and/or burning pain, an ache or numbness that begins in or spreads to your neck, jaw, throat, shoulder or back of your arms.
Incisional pain is more constant. It occurs when you move suddenly or change positions. It can be relieved with pain medicines prescribed for you or by using pain relief measures that you used when you were in the hospital. If your pain continues and you are having difficulty deciding if your pain is incisional or angina, call your doctor.

If you feel symptoms of angina, follow these steps unless your health care provider has given you other instructions:

Take one nitroglycerin tablet or use one nitroglycerin spray. Sit for 5 minutes.
If the angina goes away, rest for a while, then continue your normal routine.
If the angina does not go away or gets worse, call 911 right away. Do not delay. Do not drive yourself to a hospital emergency room or urgent care.