Understanding the Difference Between Angina and Myocardial Infarction
Angina and myocardial infarction are two terms used to describe heart conditions that can cause chest pain, discomfort, and shortness of breath. While they may have some similar symptoms, there are significant differences between the two conditions. Understanding these differences can help you seek the right medical care and treatment.
Angina
Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. This typically happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Angina can feel like a squeezing or pressure in the chest, arm, neck, jaw, or shoulder. It can also cause shortness of breath and nausea.
There are two types of angina:
1. Stable angina: This type of angina occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and usually goes away after resting or taking medication.
2. Unstable angina: This type of angina can happen even when at rest and is a sign that a heart attack may be imminent.
Angina is not a heart attack, but it can be a warning sign that someone may be at risk of a heart attack.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
A myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, happens when the blood supply to an area of the heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. This causes damage or death to part of the heart muscle. The symptoms of a heart attack can be similar to angina, but they are often more intense and last longer. People who experience a heart attack may also feel pressure or tightness in the chest, sweating, or lightheadedness.
A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. The longer someone waits to seek medical help, the greater their chances of permanent damage to the heart muscle, or even death.
Conclusion
While both angina and myocardial infarction can cause chest pain and discomfort, there are significant differences between the two conditions. Angina is a warning sign of potential heart problems, while a heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing chest pain, it’s essential to seek medical help right away to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Table difference between angina and myocardial infarction
| Angina | Myocardial Infarction | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, usually a temporary condition | Tissue damage to the heart due to a prolonged restriction of blood flow, often caused by a blockage in a coronary artery |
| Cause | Coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart | Blockage in a coronary artery, often caused by a blood clot, completely restricting blood flow to the part of the heart served by that artery |
| Symptoms | Chest pressure or tightness, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, fatigue, and discomfort in the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back | Sudden onset of intense chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and pain in the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back that does not go away with rest or nitroglycerin |
| Treatment | Medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures such as angioplasty or stenting to improve blood flow | Emergency medical care including medications to dissolve the clot, and procedures such as angioplasty, stenting or bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart |