Major differences between angina pectoris and myocardial infarction

Angina is a common health problem caused by a decrease in blood flow to the heart, and many of the same symptoms as a heart attack can occur, but there is no need for immediate emergency treatment. The myocardial infarction is different. The following is the difference between the two.

Major differences between angina pectoris and myocardial infarction

Angina pectoris

1. Causes of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris:

When plaque (a fatty substance) accumulates in the arteries, preventing blood from flowing to the heart muscle, causing the heart to work harder and less oxygen, angina occurs. This is why many people feel chest pain when suffering from angina. Blood clots in the heart's arteries can also cause angina, however, blood clots in the heart usually cause a heart attack.


2. Angina usually occurs during exercise:

Myocardial infarction may occur at any time. If you have chest pain during your break or have not had any physical activity and continue for a considerable amount of time, it may indicate that the pain is due to a heart attack. Stable angina usually occurs only when the individual is exercising, struggling or experiencing stress, lasting about five minutes. When the patient is resting, the pain should disappear.

Patients with stable angina will experience signs of a heart attack at some point. If there is frequent angina pectoris, seek medical attention.

3. Myocardial infarction pain is not only in the chest:

Symptoms of angina are usually located close to the chest of the heart and can be misdiagnosed as indigestion. Typical angina symptoms include pain, burning, discomfort, heaviness, stress or squeezing in or around the heart.

The pain of myocardial infarction not only affects the chest and heart area, but also affects the arm, chin, stomach, back or neck.

4. After the break, the angina pain disappears:

Pain in the heart attack persists, except for emergency medical treatment in the hospital, which can hardly be alleviated. The angina can be relieved at rest, and the patient can return the heart rate to normal.

Unstable angina, a chest pain that occurs when an individual is at rest or is not very active, and the pain is strongly intense, persistent, and often occurs. If the patient has unstable angina, it is proven to have a myocardial infarction.

5. The difference between the symptoms of myocardial infarction and angina:

Angina is usually chest pain, and the pain is confined to the inside and around the heart without any other symptoms. People with a heart attack often feel dizzy and suddenly become sweaty or cold. A heart attack is usually accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

6. Angina can relieve pain through medication:

Angina is a chronic disease that can occur and improve from time to time based on personal stress and activity. Angina does not cause permanent damage to the heart, and people with angina do not affect physical activity. Taking nitroglycerin tablets can relieve chest pain in a matter of minutes.

Heart attack pain taking nitroglycerin does not relieve.