What is the difference between angina and heart attack

Often confused for the other, angina and heart attacks can and do produce very similar symptoms.‍

Table of Contents Show

What Exactly Is Angina?
Identifying the Differences
‍Common Heart Attack Symptoms
Considerations
‍When to Seek Help
Is angina worse than a heart attack?
How long can you have angina before a heart attack?
What does an attack of angina feel like?
What are the 3 types of angina?

What Exactly Is Angina?

‍A common symptom of heart disease, angina happens when cardiovascular blockages advance enough to reduce oxygen flow to the heart. This usually results in jaw or chest pain, which can seem like heart attack symptoms. After a while, heart tissue may begin to die off due to low oxygen supply. When this occurs, a heart attack becomes likely. There are two types of angina, stable and unstable.*Characteristics of stable angina (most common)

Develops when your heart works harder, such as when you exercise or climb stairs
Can usually be predicted and the pain is usually similar to previous types of chest pain you've had
Lasts a short time, perhaps five minutes or less
Disappears sooner if you rest or use your angina medication

*Characteristics of unstable angina (a medical emergency)

Occurs even at rest
Is a change in your usual pattern of angina
Is unexpected
Is usually more severe and lasts longer than stable angina, maybe as long as 30 minutes
May not disappear with rest or use of angina medication
Might signal a heart attack

Identifying the Differences

‍Although angina sensations may seem like an actual heart attack, there are usually subtle differences. A side-by-side comparison can shed light on these variances.Common Angina Symptoms

Chest pain that disappears after five or fewer minutes
Discomfort that feels like severe indigestion
Pain spreading out from the chest to the arm, back or upper body
Chest pain that only occurs during exercise or activities when the heart must work harder
Relief after resting or ingesting heart medicines such as nitroglycerin

The severity, duration and type of angina can vary. It's important to recognize if you have new or changing chest discomfort. New or different symptoms may signal a more dangerous form of angina (unstable angina) or a heart attack.

‍Common Heart Attack Symptoms

Nausea or vomiting
Sudden onset of sweaty or clammy skin
Shortness of breath or lightheadedness
Pressure or pain in the back, stomach, neck, jawline or either arm
Pain, pressure or squeezing in the chest, most often on the left side

Considerations

‍Sometimes angina and heart attacks can manifest in different ways. Women in particular often experience confusing and uncommon sensations during an event, because they tend to develop heart disease in the small arteries that branch outward from the coronary arteries. These symptoms may include fatigue, confusion, vomiting, jaw pain and vague chest discomfort. When women experience any type of vague symptom that might be related to a cardiac event, it's critical that they seek medical care as soon as possible.

‍When to Seek Help

‍Whenever you have sensations that might point toward a heart attack or angina, you should immediately seek emergency care. If you do have angina, your doctor can recommend a specialist who can design a treatment strategy to improve your overall health and manage your risk.

*Source: Mayoclinic.org

Often confused for one another, heart attacks and angina can produce similar symptoms. That said, while heart attacks pose an immediate threat to life, anginas are usually warnings that a heart attack may be on the not-so-distant horizon. If you experience chest pain or other troubling sensations, learn how to differentiate common symptoms of angina from a full-fledged heart attack.
What Is Angina?
A symptom of heart disease, angina occurs when advancing cardiovascular blockage causes poor oxygen flow to the heart. This typically results in chest or jaw pain, which can mimic an actual heart attack. Over time, heart tissue may begin to die due to inadequate oxygen supply. When this happens, a heart attack may take place.
Recognizing the Differences
While angina symptoms can mimic those of an actual heart attack, there are often subtle variances. A side-by-side comparison highlights the most common differences:
Typical Heart Attack Symptoms

Pressure, pain or squeezing in the chest, particularly in the left side
Pain or pressure in the stomach, back, jawline, neck or either arm
Sudden sweating or clammy skin
Lightheadedness or shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting

Typical Angina Symptoms

Chest pain limited to physical activity when the heart is forced to work harder
Chest pain that lasts only five minutes or less
Discomfort similar to severe indigestion
Pain spreading from chest to back, arms or upper body
Relief after resting or after taking heart medicines such as nitroglycerin

Things to Consider
While most common, the above symptoms are not the only ways heart attacks and angina can manifest. Women in particular tend to experience uncommon and confusing symptoms during an event, because they frequently develop heart disease within the very small arteries that branch out from the coronary arteries. Some of these symptoms can include shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and back or jaw pain.
When to See a Doctor
Any time you experience symptoms of angina or heart attack, you should seek emergency care. Even if your symptoms are owed to minor angina, there’s no way to know for sure that a serious cardiac event is not minutes away. If you do have angina, a healthcare professional can help design a treatment plan to manage your risk and improve your overall health.

Is angina worse than a heart attack?

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It's not usually life threatening, but it's a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. With treatment and healthy lifestyle changes, it's possible to control angina and reduce the risk of these more serious problems.

How long can you have angina before a heart attack?

Like many people with unstable angina, you could have a heart attack in the next three months.

What does an attack of angina feel like?

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The discomfort also can occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, abdomen or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.