I'm a bit confused about the difference between normal chest pain and angina pain. Is angina pain similar to what happens during a heart attack, but it goes away in like 3 or 4 minutes? And should I be worried if I feel pins and needles in my chest that only last for less than a minute?

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

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Chest pain can have various causes, including musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal problems, or cardiac conditions like angina. Angina pain is typically described as a pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest that may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and usually subsides with rest or medication like Nitroglycerin. Angina pain is not usually as severe or prolonged as a heart attack, which typically lasts longer than 3 to 4 minutes and may be associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness. Pins and needles sensation lasting under 1 minute is usually not a cause for concern and can be due to temporary nerve compression or poor circulation. However, if you experience persistent or recurrent pins and needles, especially associated with other symptoms like weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, it is important to seek medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions like a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or peripheral neuropathy.

Answered 04/07/2025