Which symptom does classic anginal pain NOT usually exhibit?

Classic anginal pain is typically described as a discomfort or pressure in the chest that may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is often provoked by physical exertion or emotional stress and generally alleviates quickly with rest or the use of nitroglycerin.

The hallmark of angina is that it is usually transient, lasting only a few minutes—typically less than 5 minutes—after cessation of the activity that provoked it. Severe pain that persists for over 30 minutes is more suggestive of unstable angina or myocardial infarction, rather than stable angina, indicating a more serious cardiac issue that requires immediate medical attention.

This understanding helps clarify why severe pain lasting over 30 minutes does not align with the classic presentation of anginal pain.