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General health information

Angina

Angina, also called angina pectoris, is chest pain or pressure caused by the heart muscle temporarily receiving too little oxygen, usually because of narrowed coronary arteries. Stable angina occurs predictably with exercise or stress and settles with rest. New pain at rest, symptoms that are worsening more quickly or an episode that feels different may mean unstable angina or a heart attack and need urgent help.

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  • Angina, also called angina pectoris, usually causes pressure or tightness in the chest because the heart muscle temporarily receives too little oxygen.
  • Narrowed coronary arteries are often the cause. Exercise, cold, stress or a heavy meal increase the heart's need for oxygen and may bring on the pain.
  • Stable angina often follows a recognisable, predictable pattern. Unstable angina is new, worse, lasts longer or occurs at rest, and is much more urgent.
  • Not all chest pain comes from the heart, but heart-related causes must not be missed. Chest pain always needs to be assessed alongside the other symptoms.
  • For new or worsening symptoms, contact your usual GP (family doctor), or HAP 9252, the out-of-hours GP service, outside normal opening hours. In an immediate life-threatening emergency, call Ambulance 912.

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Further reading

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H
Heart attackA heart attack usually occurs when a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, leaving part of the heart muscle short of oxygen. It often causes chest pressure or pain, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain spreading to other areas, but symptoms can also be less typical. If you suspect a heart attack, do not wait: call Ambulance 912 immediately and do not drive yourself.
C
Chest painChest pain often comes from muscles, acid reflux or stress, but can also indicate a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, collapsed lung or tear in the aorta. New pressure-like pain with breathlessness or feeling ill needs immediate assessment.
B
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