Overview
Stable angina comes with exertion and eases with rest.
New or worse angina may mean a heart attack is near.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Chest pain or pressure with activity
- Chest pressure with activity that goes away with rest
Less common
- Shortness of breath
Look up a symptom: Getting winded easily with activity or stairs
When to get medical care
Call 911Chest pain lasting over 5 minutes or at rest: call 911.
Get care todayNew or worse chest pain.
See a doctor soonChest pain with activity.
Causes
Plaque in arteries.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Smoking
- Diabetes
Possible complications
Diagnosis
Tests check the heart.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- ECG:
- Stress test:
- Angiogram:
Treatment
Protect your heart.
Self-care
- Take medicines
- Don't smoke
- Eat heart-healthy
- Exercise as advised
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nitroglycerin | Chest pain | Not with ED pills. |
| Statins | Cholesterol |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Treatment helps.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Angina (chest pain from narrowed heart arteries)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.