Understanding the Difference

Both angina and a heart attack involve chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. However, a heart attack is much more serious and requires urgent medical attention.

What is Angina?

A symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Caused by temporary reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Triggered by physical activity or stress and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

What is a Heart Attack?

Occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked, leading to heart muscle damage.

Chest pain is more severe, persistent, and not relieved by rest.

Immediate medical intervention is needed to prevent permanent damage.

Key Differences

Symptoms

Angina:

Chest tightness or pressure.

Triggered by exertion, relieved by rest.

Short duration (minutes).

Heart Attack:

Intense, crushing chest pain.

Can occur at rest and lasts >10 minutes.

May include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness.

Diagnosis

Angina: ECG, stress test, coronary angiography if needed.

Heart Attack: ECG, blood tests (troponin levels), emergency coronary angiography.

Treatment

Angina: Lifestyle changes, medications (nitrates, beta-blockers, aspirin), angioplasty if needed.

Heart Attack: Emergency care, aspirin, oxygen, thrombolysis, stent placement, or bypass surgery.

References:

British Heart Foundation (BHF) – Understanding Angina and Heart Attacks

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https://www.bhf.org.uk

NHS UK – Angina and Heart Attack Symptoms & Treatment

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angina/

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https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/

American Heart Association (AHA) – Difference Between Angina and Heart Attack

https://www.heart.org

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Clinical Guidelines

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg95

Dr Geranmayeh