Angina vs Heart Attack: Understanding the Key Differences
Both angina and heart attack (myocardial infarction) are related to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically caused by coronary artery disease. However, they differ significantly in terms of severity, underlying mechanisms, and long-term consequences. Understanding these differences is essential for timely medical intervention and effective heart health management.
What Is Angina?
Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease and occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This usually happens due to narrowed coronary arteries caused by atherosclerosis. The reduced blood flow leads to chest discomfort or pain, often described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest.
In most cases, angina is stable angina, which is predictable and usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. It typically subsides with rest or medication such as nitroglycerin. Stable angina does not cause permanent damage to the heart muscle because blood flow is only temporarily reduced.
Unstable Angina: A More Serious Condition
When angina becomes unpredictable and occurs even at rest, it is classified as unstable angina. This indicates that plaque in the coronary arteries has become unstable and may be on the verge of rupturing. Although the artery is not yet fully blocked, unstable angina is a warning sign and requires immediate medical attention as it can progress to a heart attack.
Understanding Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening event that occurs when a coronary artery is suddenly and completely blocked, usually due to a blood clot forming after plaque rupture. This blockage cuts off blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle, leading to irreversible damage or death of the affected heart tissue.
Unlike angina, a heart attack involves permanent heart muscle damage. The longer the blockage remains untreated, the greater the risk of severe complications or even death. Common symptoms include intense chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Key Differences Between Angina and Heart Attack
- Duration: Angina is usually short-lived and relieved by rest or medication, while heart attack symptoms persist and intensify over time.
- Severity: Angina does not cause permanent heart damage, whereas a heart attack results in tissue death due to prolonged lack of oxygen.
- Underlying Mechanism: Angina is caused by temporary blood flow reduction, while a heart attack is the result of a complete arterial blockage.
- Blood Tests: During a heart attack, specific enzymes like troponin are released into the bloodstream, indicating heart muscle damage. These markers are not elevated in angina.
Recognizing the difference between angina and a heart attack can be lifesaving. If you or someone you know experiences chest discomfort that doesn't go away with rest or feels more intense than usual, seek emergency medical help immediately.