The main symptom of angina is chest pain. Some people also have other symptoms.
Chest pain
Chest pain could be angina if it:
- feels tight, dull or heavy – although some people (especially women) may have sharp, stabbing pain
- spreads to your left arm, neck, jaw or back
- is triggered by physical exertion or stress
- stops within a few minutes of resting
Other symptoms
Angina can also cause:
- breathlessness
- feeling sick (nausea)
- pain in your lower chest or belly – similar to indigestion
- feeling very tired
Some people have these symptoms without obvious chest pain.
What to do if you have symptoms of an angina attack
If you haven't been diagnosed with angina:
- Stop what you're doing and rest.
- Make an urgent appointment to see your GP if the symptoms go away in few minutes.
- Call 999 for an ambulance if the symptoms don't stop in a few minutes – this could be a heart attack.
- If aspirin is easily available and you're not allergic to it, chew 1 tablet while waiting for an ambulance – this can help if you're having a heart attack.
If you have already been diagnosed with angina:
- Stop what you're doing and rest.
- Take the medicine prescribed for you (glyceryl trinitrate, or GTN, spray or tablets).
- Take another dose after 5 minutes if the first one doesn't help.
- Call 999 for an ambulance if you still have symptoms 5 minutes after taking the second dose.
Page last reviewed: Tue Mar 2021
Next review due: Fri Feb 2020