06/03/2026
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when part of the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is most commonly caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease).
Common symptoms
Pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness in the chest
Pain that may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Nausea or sweating (sometimes)
Types of angina
Stable angina: Predictable, usually triggered by exertion or stress and relieved by rest or medication.
Unstable angina: New, worsening, or occurring at rest. This is a medical emergency because it may signal an impending heart attack.
Variant (Prinzmetal) angina: Caused by temporary spasm of a coronary artery.
When to seek emergency care
Call emergency services immediately if:
Chest pain is severe, new, or worsening
Symptoms occur at rest and do not improve within a few minutes
You have chest pain with shortness of breath, fainting, sweating, or nausea
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors may use:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Blood tests
Stress testing
Echocardiography
Coronary angiography
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications (such as nitrates, beta-blockers, or statins), and sometimes procedures to improve blood flow to the heart.
If you're asking about angina because you or someone else is currently experiencing chest pain, please tell me:
Age and s*x
What the pain feels like
How long it has lasted
Whether there is shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back
I can help assess the urgency, but chest pain should always be taken seriously.