# What should I do if I feel chest pain similar to angina pectoris?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris
Language: en
Category: cardiology
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.440Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.440Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris

If you experience chest pain similar to angina pectoris, which may present as pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness in the chest, and may radiate to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. This pain can be a sign that your heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, and it may indicate a serious condition such as a heart attack.

## When to seek emergency help?

You should call emergency services immediately if you feel chest pain that does not go away, or if the pain becomes stronger, occurs more frequently, lasts longer, or happens while you are at rest or sleeping [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>). These changes may indicate that your heart condition is worsening. You should also seek emergency assistance if your chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or weakness [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>).

## Understanding angina symptoms

Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S2>). Angina can feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in your chest, and you may also feel pain in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S2>). Sometimes, it may feel like indigestion or nausea [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>). These symptoms can occur during physical activity, such as climbing stairs or walking uphill, and they may also occur in cold weather [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>).

## Distinguishing between types of angina

There are different types of angina. Stable angina is the most common type and occurs when the heart works harder than usual. It typically has a regular pattern, and rest and medication help relieve it [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S2>). Unstable angina is more dangerous; it does not follow a specific pattern and can occur without physical exertion. It does not go away with rest or medication, and it is a sign that you may be at risk of a heart attack soon [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S2>).

## Initial steps after feeling chest pain

If you have been previously diagnosed with angina and have prescribed medications, such as nitroglycerin, follow your doctor's instructions on how to use them when pain occurs [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>). However, you should not stop taking any other prescribed heart medications without consulting your doctor [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>). It is also important to identify activities that may trigger your angina symptoms and attempt to avoid or modify them [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>). Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be helpful for learning how to safely increase physical activity gradually [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#source-S1>). For more information on managing angina, you can visit [Angina Pectoris: Understanding and Managing Heart-Related Chest Pain (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/angina-pectoris-heart-chest-pain-management>).

## Medical references

- [Angina - discharge](<https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000089.htm>)

- [Angina](<https://medlineplus.gov/angina.html>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-i-feel-chest-pain-like-angina-pectoris#answer