Angina

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually brought on by exertion or stress and relieved by rest.

HeartLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Chest tightness, pressure or pain that may spread to the arms, neck or jaw, usually during activity, lasting a few minutes.

Common Treatments

Medicines to relieve and prevent chest pain (such as nitrates), lifestyle changes, and sometimes stents or bypass surgery.

Risk Factors

Coronary artery disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and family history.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. When the heart works harder, narrowed arteries can't deliver enough oxygen-rich blood, causing pain.

Stable angina follows a predictable pattern and settles with rest. Angina that's new, getting worse or happens at rest (unstable angina) needs emergency care.

Symptoms

Chest pain or tightness

Often triggered by exercise, stress, cold or heavy meals.

Spreading pain

To the left arm, neck, jaw or back.

Breathlessness

Along with the chest discomfort.

Unstable angina

Pain at rest or lasting longer than usual: call 112.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Narrowing of the coronary arteries by fatty plaques, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle when demand increases.

Key Risk Factors

  • Coronary artery disease The underlying cause in most people.
  • Smoking and diabetes Damage arteries.
  • High blood pressure and cholesterol Speed up narrowing.

Management & Treatment

01. Quick relief

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray or tablets under the tongue.

02. Prevention medicines

Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and long-acting nitrates; aspirin and statins to protect the heart.

03. Procedures

Angioplasty with stents or bypass surgery if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during an angina attack?
Stop and rest, use your GTN as advised. If pain doesn't ease after the second dose or within a few minutes, call 112.
Is angina a heart attack?
No, but it's a warning sign of heart disease.
Can I exercise?
Yes, within limits your doctor advises.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.