Angina and chest pain
Know when chest pain is an emergency

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough blood, usually because the coronary arteries are narrowed. It typically comes on with exertion or stress and settles with rest. Chest pain has many causes, and some — like a heart attack — need emergency care.

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About angina

What is angina?

Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Fatty deposits narrow the arteries that supply the heart, so during effort the heart muscle runs short of oxygen. Stable angina follows a predictable pattern. Unstable angina — new, worsening or at rest — is a warning sign of a heart attack and needs urgent care.

  • Stable angina: comes on with effort, settles with rest
  • Unstable angina: at rest or getting worse — urgent
  • Risk factors: diabetes, high BP, smoking, high cholesterol
  • Women and people with diabetes may have unusual symptoms
  • Not all chest pain comes from the heart

Check

ECG and blood tests.

Assess

Echo, stress test, angiography.

Treat

Medicines, angioplasty or bypass.

Prevent

Risk-factor control.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of angina

Angina feels different for different people.

Chest tightness

Pressure, heaviness or squeezing in the chest.

Spreading pain

To the arm, jaw, neck or back.

On effort

Comes on with walking, stairs or stress.

Settles with rest

Eases within a few minutes of rest.

Breathlessness

Short of breath on effort.

Sweating

Cold sweat with the discomfort.

Nausea

Feeling sick or like indigestion.

Unusual tiredness

Especially in women and older adults.

Call for emergency help if: chest pain lasts more than a few minutes, comes at rest, or comes with sweating, breathlessness or fainting. Do not drive yourself. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests for chest pain

Tests check whether the pain is from the heart and how severe the narrowing is.

ECG

Checks for strain or damage.

Blood tests

Troponin, sugar and cholesterol.

Echocardiography

Looks at heart pumping and valves.

Stress testing

Checks the heart during exercise, if safe.

Coronary angiography

A dye X-ray of the heart arteries to see blockages.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment relieves symptoms and lowers the risk of a heart attack.

Medical treatment

Medicines relieve angina and lower the risk of a heart attack. Your doctor may prescribe a spray or tablet under the tongue for attacks.

Aspirin or other blood thinnersStatins for cholesterolMedicines to reduce the heart’s workload

During an attack

  • Stop and rest
  • Use your prescribed spray as advised; call for help if pain persists

Good to know

  • Do not stop blood thinners without advice
  • Tell your doctor about side effects
Everyday life

Living with angina

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Stop smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the most effective steps to protect your heart.

Heart-healthy eating

Choose more vegetables, fruit, whole grains and pulses; reduce salt, fried food and sweets.

Stay active safely

Regular walking helps. Ask your cardiologist how much activity is safe for you.

Contact us urgently if

  • Chest pain at rest
  • Pain lasting over 10 minutes
  • Pain with sweating or breathlessness
  • Fainting
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about chest pain

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Chest pain is always gas.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Heart pain can feel like indigestion. If unsure, get an ECG.

Myth

“Only older men get angina.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Women and younger people with diabetes or who smoke can have angina too.

Myth

“After a stent, I can stop medicines.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Medicines remain important after a stent to prevent clots and new blockages.

Your care team

Cardiologists and cardiac surgeon

Cardiac sciences Coronary angioplasty Heart bypass surgery
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Old ECGs and echo reports
  • Any angiography report or CD
  • List of current medicines

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How is angina different from a heart attack?

Angina settles with rest and does not damage the heart. In a heart attack an artery is blocked and heart muscle is being damaged — it needs emergency treatment.

Does angina always need a stent?

No. Many people do well on medicines. Angioplasty or surgery is advised when tests show it will help.

Can I exercise with angina?

Usually yes, within limits your cardiologist sets. Cardiac rehabilitation can help.

What else causes chest pain?

Acid reflux, muscle strain, lung problems and anxiety, among others. Heart causes should be ruled out first.

Glossary

Words you may hear

Coronary arteriesArteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
TroponinA blood test that rises when heart muscle is damaged.
AngiographyAn X-ray with dye to see the arteries.
StentA small mesh tube that keeps an artery open.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Heart attack Coronary angioplasty Acid reflux (GERD) Health library

Chest pain on walking or climbing stairs?

Get your heart checked. See a cardiologist at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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