Angina Pain vs. Breast Pain: Understanding the Differences

What Sets Angina Apart from Breast Pain?

Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to coronary artery disease. This pain is often described as a squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest and is usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. On the other hand, breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is related to hormonal changes, breast tissue sensitivity, or other non-cardiac conditions. These two types of pain have fundamentally different origins and require distinct approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic Differences Between Angina and Breast Pain

Heart-Related Tests for Angina

When undergoing an electrocardiogram (ECG), individuals experiencing angina may show abnormal results, especially during an episode or after a stress test. Additional diagnostic tools such as coronary angiography or coronary CT scans can reveal blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. In contrast, those suffering from breast pain typically receive normal or negative results on these cardiac tests, as the discomfort is unrelated to heart function.

Pain Duration and Response to Treatment

How Pain Relief Differs

One of the key differences lies in how each condition responds to rest and medication. Angina pain often subsides with rest, avoidance of triggers, or the use of medications like nitroglycerin, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart. Conversely, breast pain does not respond to nitroglycerin and may persist for extended periods, often fluctuating with the menstrual cycle or other hormonal influences.

Understanding the Intensity and Nature of Pain

While both conditions can cause discomfort in the chest area, the intensity and sensation differ significantly. Angina is often described as a deep, heavy, or crushing pain that may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Breast pain, however, is typically localized, sharp, or tender to the touch, and is often confined to one or both breasts without radiating to other areas of the body.