While both heart attack and angina are related to reduced blood flow to the heart, they differ significantly in severity, cause, and consequences. A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a complete blockage in one of the coronary arteries. This blockage, often caused by a blood clot, prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart muscle, leading to permanent damage. Symptoms of a heart attack include intense chest pain or pressure, which may radiate to the arm, jaw, or back, and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
These symptoms typically last longer than 15 to 20 minutes and are not relieved by rest or medication. In contrast, angina—especially stable angina—is a condition where the heart muscle temporarily receives less blood due to narrowed arteries, but not a complete blockage. The chest pain associated with angina is usually milder, brought on by physical exertion or stress, and typically goes away within a few minutes of rest or taking prescribed medication like nitroglycerin. Importantly, angina does not cause permanent heart damage, but it is a warning sign of underlying heart disease. However, if angina becomes more frequent, severe, or occurs at rest, it may be classified as unstable angina, which is a medical emergency and may precede a heart attack. In all cases of chest pain, especially if it is new or worsening, immediate medical attention is essential to rule out a heart attack and ensure proper treatment.
Angina, or angina pectoralis, is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It is a symptom of an underlying heart condition, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD). Angina itself is not a heart attack, but it signals that the heart is under stress and at risk. There are several types of angina. Stable angina is the most common form, occurring predictably with physical exertion or emotional stress and typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Unstable angina is more serious; it happens unexpectedly, even at rest, lasts longer, and may be a sign of an impending heart attack, requiring emergency care. Another type, variant angina (Prinzmetal’s angina), is caused by a temporary spasm in the coronary arteries and often occurs at rest, sometimes during sleep. Microvascular angina affects the small blood vessels in the heart and is more common in women. Symptoms of angina include chest pain or pressure, often radiating to the shoulders, arms, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, fatigue, and sometimes nausea. Diagnosis involves tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, echocardiograms, and coronary angiography. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and improving heart health through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are crucial. Medications may include nitrates, beta-blockers, aspirin, statins, and others depending on the type and severity of angina. Although angina is manageable, it is a warning sign that should not be ignored, and any new or worsening chest pain should prompt immediate medical attention.
