Can hypertension cause angina?

Hypertension can contribute to angina by placing long-term strain on the heart and blood vessels. It is one possible contributor, not the only explanation for chest discomfort.

Persistently raised pressure can damage the inner lining of arteries and make the heart work harder. Over time, narrowed or stiffened coronary arteries may deliver less oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, particularly during exertion. Angina is commonly felt as pressure, tightness, heaviness or burning in the chest, and discomfort may spread to an arm, shoulder, jaw, back or upper abdomen. Breathlessness, sweating or nausea can occur too.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for new, recurrent or activity-related chest discomfort. A clinician may review blood pressure, heart risk factors, medicines and the pattern of symptoms, and may arrange heart tests. Take prescribed blood pressure treatment consistently. Avoid strenuous activity until unexplained exertional symptoms have been assessed, and do not use someone else’s heart medicine.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, lasts several minutes, occurs at rest, returns repeatedly, or comes with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Do not drive yourself. Symptoms can represent a heart attack and need immediate assessment.

Could my chest symptoms be angina or another problem? How is my cardiovascular risk assessed? Is my blood pressure treatment adequate? Which activities are safe while I wait for testing?