Heart Attacks – Or could it be Angina??

It is important to recognize the differences between heart attacks and angina episodes.  However, if you are not sure, do not hesitate in seeking medical help immediately.

• First, with a heart attack, it involves one or more coronary (heart) arteries becoming totally obstructed.  This results in no blood flow and oxygen getting to the heart muscle, and results in death of the heart muscle and permanent damage to it.  With angina, the blood flow temporarily is reduced to the heart muscle.  As a result, the heart receives less oxygen.  However, the heart does not die with angina, although it can become weakened over time with repeated angina episodes.
• Angina usually occurs when the heart is working hard and is under stress due to doing physical activity, being psychologically stressed, being in a very hot or cold environment, or you have consumed a big meal.  With heart attacks, they can occur anytime and it does not have to be when your heart has been doing anything too much.
• In heart attacks, the pain or discomfort will not disappear with rest or medication that you have been prescribed for your angina.  With angina, once you rest or take your prescribed angina medication, the pain or discomfort should  go away.  If the pain does not go away after 10 minutes of doing this, then you need to call for an ambulance.

So as you can see, heart attacks and angina episodes are two different things.  Even though angina is not a heart attack, you do need to pay attention to it as it is a warning sign that your heart is not working effectively.  Sometimes, angina can lead into a heart attack.  So if the angina that you normally experience begins to occur more often, come on without the usual triggers (exertion, stress), or lasts longer than usual, you should consult your physician immediately.

In summary, learn the differences between heart attacks and angina.  If you are not sure though what you are experiencing, always seek medical help right away!