HOW IS ANGINA DIFFERENT FROM A HEART ATTACK? Angina is not a heart attack, but angina may develop into a heart attack. The main difference between them is heart damage. Angina does not cause damage or death of the heart muscle, but a heart attack does. That is why you must act right away if you think you are having a heart attack! Understanding Your Heart And The Causes Of Heart Disease | 7 Angina Heart attack When does it happen? More often during physical efof rt (exercise) or stress, or if you are in a very cold place, or after a large meal Often at rest What does it feel like?
• Pain or discomfort may spread to chest, neck, jaw, shoulders, both arms (mostly the left arm), and back • Chest tightness, burning, heaviness, feeling of squeezing or not being able to breathe • People with diabetes may only have trouble breathing What are other symptoms? Sometimes dizziness, paleness, weakness Often nausea, throwing up (vomiting), weakness, tiredness, sweating How long does it last? Three to five minutes, rarely more than 15 minutes Mostly more than 30 minutes What helps or relieves it? Rest, nitroglycerin Nitroglycerin or rest do not help What happens to the heart? No damage to the heart muscle Small or large scar on heart muscle.
This damage may be permanent if you wait too long before getting to the hospital for medical help. What are the causes? Short or temporary lack of oxygen to the heart Lack of oxygen to the heart for a long time. This is usually caused by a blood clot that blocks a coronary artery.