Angina / Chest Pain

What Is Angina?

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. This is usually caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries, often due to coronary artery disease (CAD).

Angina typically occurs during physical activity or emotional stress—times when the heart needs more oxygen. Although angina is not a heart attack, it is a serious warning sign that your heart may be at risk.

At London Heart Group, our expert private cardiologists in London are here to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide effective, personalised treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Angina?

The symptoms of angina can vary, but most patients describe it as:

  • Pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain in the chest

  • Pain that may spread to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, back, or upper abdomen

  • Discomfort triggered by physical exertion, cold weather, or emotional stress

  • Relief with rest or medication

If you’re experiencing chest discomfort, it’s important not to ignore it. Our team will assess your symptoms carefully and determine whether angina—or another condition—is responsible.

What Causes Angina?

Angina is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty plaques build up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart. Several risk factors can increase your chance of developing angina:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • High cholesterol

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Lack of exercise

  • Family history of heart disease

Less common causes include coronary artery spasm (vasospastic angina) and issues with the smaller vessels in the heart (microvascular angina).

How Is Angina Diagnosed?

Diagnosing angina begins with a full clinical assessment and evaluation of your cardiovascular risk factors. If your symptoms suggest angina, we may recommend:

  • Cardiac stress tests (e.g. stress echocardiogram or cardiac MRI)

  • CT coronary angiography

  • Coronary angiography for more detailed imaging

  • Assessment for microvascular or vasospastic angina where appropriate

At London Heart Group, we use state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide the most effective treatment plan for you.

How Is Angina Treated?

Treatment for angina focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing your risk of heart attack, and improving your long-term heart health. Management may include:

Lifestyle and Risk Factor Management

  • Stopping smoking

  • Heart-healthy diet

  • Regular exercise

  • Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes

Medications

  • To improve blood flow to the heart

  • To reduce chest pain frequency and severity

  • To prevent blood clots and manage risk factors

Revascularisation

If symptoms persist despite medication, we may recommend revascularisation:

  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) – angioplasty with or without stent placement

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – for more complex cases

At London Heart Group, we specialise in advanced PCI procedures, including multi-vessel disease and chronic total occlusion (CTO) treatment, with or without mechanical circulatory support when needed.

Our experienced consultants will guide you through your treatment options and can provide a second opinion if you’re seeking further clarity.

Book a Private Consultation in London

If you're experiencing chest pain or have been diagnosed with angina or coronary artery disease, expert help is available. At London Heart Group, our leading private cardiologists in Central London offer fast access to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatment options.

Call today or book an appointment online to discuss your symptoms and take proactive steps to protect your heart health.