preventing angina
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen. It is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually narrowed or blocked arteries, not a disease on its own.
Key facts
- Angina is a warning sign that you may be at risk of a heart attack.
- It is usually triggered by physical activity, stress, or strong emotion, and often improves with rest.
- With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people live well with angina.
Angina is common. Around one in 20 people in the UK experience it at some point, and the number is higher in older adults.
Angina most often affects adults over 50, especially men, but women and younger people can also develop it. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease are more likely to have it.
Symptoms
- Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes
- Chest pain with rest or that wakes you from sleep
- Chest pain with sweating, nausea, fainting, or sudden shortness of breath
- Pain that spreads to your arm, neck, or jaw and feels crushing or heavy
- ⚠New or changing chest pain that happens more often or with less activity
- ⚠Chest pain that lasts longer than before or feels more severe
- ⚠Symptoms that occur at rest for the first time
Common symptoms
- Chest tightness, pressure, heaviness, or squeezing pain
- Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
- Feeling tired or weak during activity
- Indigestion-like feeling that is not relieved by antacids
Symptoms in children
- Angina is very rare in children, but if it happens, symptoms may include chest pain, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing during play or exercise.
- Children with certain heart conditions may need a heart specialist to check any chest pain.
Symptoms in older adults
- Older adults may not feel classic chest pain; instead they may feel breathless, dizzy, faint, unusually tired, or confused.
- Pain may be felt in the back, shoulders, or stomach rather than the chest.
- Symptoms may appear with less exertion or even at rest.
Causes
Main causes
- The most common cause is coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits (plaques) narrow the arteries that feed the heart.
- A spasm or squeezing of the coronary artery can also reduce blood flow, even in people without severe blockages.
- Sometimes a temporary increase in the heart's need for oxygen, such as during exercise, exposes a narrowed artery.
Risk factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar
- Family history of early heart disease
- Older age
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Seek medical help the same day if you have chest pain that is new, worsening, or happening at rest.
- Call your local emergency number if your chest pain feels crushing, spreads to your arm or jaw, or comes with sweating, nausea, or fainting.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Make an appointment to talk about your heart health if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a strong family history.
- If you have been diagnosed with angina, see your doctor regularly to review your treatment plan and lifestyle goals.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, and listen to your heart. They may refer you for tests to see how well your heart is getting blood.
Tests that may be done
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity
- Blood tests – to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and signs of heart strain
- Exercise stress test – to see how your heart behaves when it works harder
- Imaging tests like a CT scan or an angiogram – to look for narrowed arteries
What to expect at your appointment
The doctor will talk with you about your risk of heart problems and what your results mean. If angina is diagnosed, they will work with you to create a personal plan to reduce symptoms and protect your heart.
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent heart attacks, and slow down the narrowing of your arteries. This usually means a mix of lifestyle changes and medicines, and sometimes a procedure to open blocked arteries.
Self-care at home
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Follow a heart-healthy eating plan with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fish
- Build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, as your doctor advises
- Learn to manage stress with deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking to someone you trust
Medical treatments
Doctors can prescribe medicines to widen blood vessels, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clots. Always take them exactly as prescribed. Some treatments come as a spray or tablet to use when you feel symptoms, but these are only supplied by your doctor.
When is surgery considered?
If medicines and lifestyle are not enough, or if an artery is severely narrowed, a doctor may recommend procedures such as angioplasty (opening the artery with a small balloon and mesh tube) or bypass surgery (using a blood vessel from elsewhere to go around the blockage).
Living with this condition
Learn your own patterns. Note what triggers your angina and what makes it better. Rest before symptoms get severe. Keep any prescribed reliever medicine with you if your doctor has given you one.
Lifestyle tips
- Avoid sudden heavy exertion, especially after a heavy meal or in very cold weather
- Take rest breaks during activities that you know may bring on symptoms
- Keep warm in winter, as cold air can narrow blood vessels
- Manage your weight and keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in a healthy range
Diet and exercise
Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, olive oil, and oily fish. Limit salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks. For exercise, start with light activities like walking, and gradually increase. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with angina can cause worry, anxiety, or low mood. These feelings are normal. Talk to your healthcare team, and consider joining a cardiac rehabilitation group where you can learn practical skills and meet others who understand.
Prevention
In many cases, angina can be prevented or delayed by controlling your risk factors. The same steps help stop existing angina from getting worse.
Vaccines
Flu and other respiratory infections can put extra strain on your heart. Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations can help reduce that risk.
Screening programmes
Regular check-ups to measure blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can spot problems early. Ask your doctor how often you should be screened based on your age and risk.
Complications
If left untreated
- Heart attack – when a blocked artery cuts off blood supply to part of the heart muscle
- Heart failure – when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that can cause dizziness, fainting, or sudden cardiac arrest
Long-term outlook
Angina is a serious warning sign, but it is not a sentence. With the right care, many people control their symptoms and live full, active lives. Your outlook depends on how well you treat the underlying causes and follow your healthcare plan.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.