January 9, 2026

When Should I Be Concerned About Angina?

Chest pain is always a cause for concern, but when it’s triggered by exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest, it may be more than just discomfort — it could be angina, a warning sign that your heart or blood vessels are not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Recognizing angina early and understanding when it signals a serious underlying condition is vital for preventing heart attack or stroke.

At the New York City practice of Dr. Alan Benvenisty, MD, a leading vascular and endovascular surgeon, patients receive expert evaluation and advanced treatment for circulatory and cardiovascular disorders. With decades of experience in vascular health, Dr. Benvenisty helps patients identify, manage, and treat the underlying causes of angina before they become life-threatening.

What Is Angina?

Angina pectoris, commonly called angina, is chest pain or pressure that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It’s not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying heart or vascular condition, most often coronary artery disease (CAD) — a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing blood flow to the heart.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 10 million Americans experience angina symptoms, and more than 18 million adults have some form of coronary artery disease — the leading cause of death in both men and women in the U.S.

Types of Angina

Angina can present in different ways depending on the severity and cause of blood flow restriction.

1. Stable Angina

This is the most common type. Stable angina typically occurs during physical activity, stress, or exposure to cold weather — when the heart works harder and needs more oxygen. The pain usually:

• Feels like pressure or squeezing in the chest
• May radiate to the shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms
• Lasts a few minutes and improves with rest or medication (like nitroglycerin)

While stable angina is often predictable and manageable, it is a serious warning sign of underlying heart disease that requires medical evaluation.

2. Unstable Angina

Unstable angina is a medical emergency. It occurs unpredictably, even at rest, and can signal that a heart attack is imminent. The pain may be more severe, last longer, or not respond to medication. If you experience new, worsening, or persistent chest pain, call 911 immediately.

3. Variant (Prinzmetal’s) Angina

This less common form is caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries, temporarily reducing blood flow to the heart. It often happens at rest and can be triggered by stress, smoking, or certain medications.

4. Microvascular Angina

Seen more often in women, this type affects the small arteries of the heart rather than the major coronary arteries. It can cause similar chest pain without visible arterial blockages on imaging.

When to Be Concerned

Any chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes, radiates to other parts of the body, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness should be treated as an emergency.

You should be especially concerned if you have risk factors such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Family history of heart disease
• Sedentary lifestyle

Even mild or occasional angina warrants prompt evaluation. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Diagnosing and Treating Angina

Dr. Benvenisty begins with a thorough medical evaluation, which may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure heart rhythm and electrical activity
• Stress testing to assess how your heart performs under exertion
• Echocardiography or cardiac CT scans to visualize heart function and blood flow
• Angiography to detect arterial blockages

Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications.

Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise can dramatically improve vascular health.
• Medications: Beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and statins help improve blood flow and reduce strain on the heart.
• Interventional procedures: For patients with significant blockages, angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore circulation.
• Vascular health management: As a vascular surgeon, Dr. Benvenisty also treats coexisting conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and carotid artery disease, which can worsen cardiovascular risk.

Expert Care for Angina and Vascular Health in NYC

Dr. Alan Benvenisty, MD, is a highly respected vascular and endovascular surgeon based in New York City, with specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect blood flow throughout the body. His comprehensive approach focuses not just on relieving symptoms but also on addressing the root causes of vascular disease to improve overall heart and circulatory health.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Angina is your body’s early alarm system — a sign that something needs attention. Getting evaluated early could save your life.

If you’re experiencing chest pain, pressure, or unexplained shortness of breath, schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Benvenisty, MD, in New York City today. With expert care and modern treatment options, you can protect your heart and restore your peace of mind.