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Angina (Heart-Related Chest Pain)
Chest pain or pressure caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually from narrowed arteries. It is a warning sign, not a heart attack itself.
Causes & risk factors
- Coronary artery disease (narrowed arteries)
- Physical exertion or emotional stress
- Cold weather
- Heavy meals
- Smoking, high cholesterol and diabetes
Common symptoms
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Pain spreading to arm, neck or jaw
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue with activity
- Discomfort eased by rest
Tests & diagnosis
- ECG
- Treadmill / stress test
- Troponin
- Lipid profile
- Coronary angiography
Treatment & management
- Rest and avoiding known triggers
- Medicines that relax and widen blood vessels
- Cholesterol- and BP-lowering medicines and blood thinners
- Angioplasty with stenting or bypass surgery when severe
- Lifestyle changes: quit smoking, exercise, healthy diet
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services if chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or does not ease with rest
- See a doctor if angina becomes more frequent or occurs at rest
- Seek urgent care for chest pain with sweating, nausea or breathlessness
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about angina (heart-related chest pain). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How is angina different from a heart attack?
Angina is temporary pain from reduced blood flow that eases with rest; a heart attack is a blocked artery causing lasting damage and needs emergency care.
Can angina be treated without surgery?
Many people are managed with medicines and lifestyle changes; procedures are used when symptoms are severe or arteries are badly blocked.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.