Overview
Angina is chest pain or tightness that comes when the heart muscle does not get enough blood, usually because the heart's arteries are narrowed. It is typically brought on by exertion or stress and eases with rest. It is a warning sign of underlying heart disease and a higher risk of heart attack, so it must be taken seriously. Importantly, chest pain that comes on at rest, lasts longer, or is more severe than usual can signal a heart attack and needs emergency care.
Symptoms
- Chest tightness, pressure or pain, often on exertion
- Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw, neck or back
- Breathlessness with the pain
- Symptoms brought on by exertion, stress or cold and eased by rest
- Sweating and nausea in some people
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for chest tightness on exertion so heart disease can be assessed. New, prolonged or rest chest pain is an emergency.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Chest pain that comes at rest, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with sweating, breathlessness or nausea — call 108, this may be a heart attack
Causes
Narrowing of the heart's arteries from cholesterol build-up, driven by smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history.