Angina
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries by fatty plaque (coronary artery disease). Stable angina tends to come on with exertion, climbing stairs or emotional stress, and eases within a few minutes of rest. Unstable angina is different: pain that is new, comes on at rest, or is getting more frequent or severe can be a warning of a heart attack and needs emergency care. Angina is more common with age and in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a tobacco habit. Women, older adults and people with diabetes may feel breathlessness, tiredness or indigestion-like discomfort rather than classic chest pain.
Symptoms of Angina
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain radiating to arm or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Causes and risk factors of Angina
- Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the heart's arteries by plaque)
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Family history of early heart disease
- Being overweight, physically inactive or under long-term stress
- Older age
How Angina is diagnosed
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Blood tests, including troponin if a heart attack is suspected, plus sugar and cholesterol
- Treadmill stress test or stress echocardiogram
- Echocardiogram to check how the heart pumps
- CT coronary angiogram or coronary angiography to see the arteries
When to see a doctor for Angina
For severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, do not wait for an appointment callback. Seek emergency care. For a routine concern, our care team can help you choose the appropriate specialist. This page cannot diagnose your symptoms.
Treatment for Angina at Iswarya Hospital
Complete spectrum of cardiac services including non-invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Emergency angioplasty available 24×7.
- → Angioplasty
- → Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
- → CT Calcium Score (Coronary Calcium Scoring)
- → Pacemaker Implantation
- → Stent Placement (Cardiac)
Cardiology specialists for Angina
Angina FAQs
Is angina the same as a heart attack?
No. Angina is temporary pain from reduced blood flow, while a heart attack means a blocked artery is damaging heart muscle. But chest pain that comes on at rest, lasts more than a few minutes or keeps getting worse can be the start of a heart attack, so call for emergency help.
How can I tell angina from gas or acidity?
It can be hard to tell without tests. Discomfort that comes with exertion, spreads to the arm, jaw or back, or comes with sweating or breathlessness should be treated as possible heart pain until a doctor has checked you.
Can angina be treated without surgery?
Many people manage stable angina with medicines and lifestyle changes such as stopping tobacco, controlling sugar and blood pressure, eating less fried and salty food and staying active. Angioplasty with a stent or bypass surgery is considered when symptoms persist or tests show severe narrowing.
Can I exercise if I have angina?
Gentle, regular activity is usually encouraged once a doctor has assessed you, often through cardiac rehabilitation. Stop and rest if pain starts, and seek emergency care if it does not settle within a few minutes.
Related guides
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.