Angina: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Overview
Know about the angina, common symptoms, causes, how it affects your health, diagnosis and tests for angina. Learn about the treatment options of angina.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 4th Sep, 2025
Introduction
If you've ever felt a sudden tightness, pressure, or discomfort in your chest, you might have experienced angina. While it can be alarming, understanding what angina is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you manage it effectively. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about angina in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
What is Angina?
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It’s not a disease itself but rather a warning sign of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary artery disease (CAD).
There are different types of angina:
1. Stable Angina – The most common type, triggered by physical exertion or stress and relieved by rest or medication.
2. Unstable Angina – More severe, unpredictable, and can occur even at rest. It may signal a heart attack risk and requires immediate medical attention.
3. Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina – Rare, caused by a temporary spasm in the heart’s arteries, often occurring at rest.
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Common Symptoms of Angina
Angina symptoms can vary, but the most typical signs include:
- Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or burning)
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea or dizziness
Note: Women may experience atypical symptoms like indigestion, extreme fatigue, or sharp pain rather than pressure.
What Causes Angina?
Angina happens when the heart’s blood supply is reduced, usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). Common causes include:
- Plaque buildup (cholesterol deposits in arteries)
- Blood clots blocking arteries
- Coronary artery spasms
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity & unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Stress & anxiety
How Angina Affects Your Health
If left untreated, angina can lead to serious complications, including:
- Heart attack (if a blocked artery cuts off blood flow completely)
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Heart failure (if the heart weakens over time)
That’s why recognising symptoms early and seeking medical help is crucial.
Diagnosis & Tests for Angina
If you experience chest pain, your doctor may recommend:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Checks the heart’s electrical activity.
- Stress Test – Monitors heart function during exercise.
- Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves to create heart images.
- Coronary Angiography – X-ray to see blocked arteries.
- Blood Tests – Checks for heart damage markers.
Treatment Options for Angina
Treatment aims to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Options include:
1. Medications
- Nitroglycerin – Relieves chest pain quickly.
- Beta-blockers & Calcium channel blockers – Reduce heart workload.
- Statins – Lower cholesterol.
- Blood thinners (Aspirin) – Prevent clots.
2. Medical Procedures
- Angioplasty & Stent Placement – Opens blocked arteries.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) – Redirects blood flow around blockages.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy choices can reduce angina episodes and improve heart health:
- Quit smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels.
- Eat heart-healthy foods – More fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins; less salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
- Exercise regularly – Walking, swimming, or yoga (as advised by your doctor).
- Manage stress – Meditation, deep breathing, or relaxation techniques.
- Control blood pressure & diabetes – Regular check-ups and medication adherence.
When to Seek Emergency Help?
Call emergency services immediately if you experience:
- Severe, crushing chest pain
- Pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath with sweating or nausea
These could be signs of a heart attack and need urgent care.
Final Thoughts
Angina is a warning sign that your heart needs attention. While it can be scary, proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
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Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Tripti Deb
Cardiologist
40 Years • MBBS, MD, DM, FACC, FESC
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr Moytree Baruah
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, PGDCC
Guwahati
Apollo Clinic Guwahati, Assam, Guwahati
Dr. Zulkarnain
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS, PGDM, FFM
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Nazneen Khan
Cardiologist
7 Years • M.B.B.S, M.D (MEDICINE), DrNB CARDIOLOGY
Pune
Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune