Chest pains due to angina are usually triggered by different factors, depending on the type of angina you are experiencing. They are usually temporary – lasting between 3 – 30 minutes. Type of angina Chest pains commonly triggered by... Microvascular angina Daily activities or stressful moments. Stable angina Physical exertion, such as when you exercise or climb the stairs. Unstable angina No specific triggers. May occur anytime, even when you are resting.