Walkthrough angina: what to know

Angina may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, burning, or chest tightness. It can spread to an arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back and may occur with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or unusual tiredness. Stable symptoms often follow a recognisable pattern with activity and settle with rest, but a new, more intense, longer-lasting, or unpredictable pattern can signal an emergency. High blood pressure and other conditions affecting blood vessels can increase strain on the heart. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram and other assessments to understand the cause.

Arrange a prompt clinical review for recurring chest symptoms, even if they settle. Record what you were doing, how the sensation felt, how long it lasted, and whether rest changed it. Take prescribed medicines as directed; these may include medicines that ease episodes or reduce cardiovascular risk. Do not start or stop blood pressure medication or statin therapy without advice. Pace exertion until you have a clear plan, and discuss smoking, activity, sleep, diabetes, and blood pressure with your clinician.

Call emergency services for chest discomfort that is severe, new, occurs at rest, does not settle promptly, or comes with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm. Do not drive yourself. If symptoms are changing but not severe, seek same-day advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit angina, which tests are appropriate, what to do during an episode, and which activities are safe. Ask how your blood pressure and cholesterol plan affects your heart risk and which medicine effects should be reported.