Final answer:
Chest pain that doesn't go away within 15 minutes is called unstable angina and is a serious medical condition that could indicate an imminent heart attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
When chest pain does not go away within 15 minutes, it may be referred to as unstable angina. Unstable angina is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, as it may be a precursor to a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. Unlike stable angina, which is usually triggered by exercise or stress and improves with rest, unstable angina can occur at rest and is more persistent and severe. Symptoms of unstable angina include chest pain that may radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw, and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
Because unstable angina is an indication that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow, it is imperative that treatment is sought to prevent further cardiovascular complications such as a full-blown heart attack.When chest pain persists for 15 minutes or longer, it is called angina. Angina occurs when heart muscle cells do not receive enough blood flow and become starved of oxygen. This condition can lead to symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, pain in the back, neck, shoulders, or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.