The Main Differences Between Angina Attacks & Heart Attacks

Heart Attacks Are Not Only Felt In The Chest

Angina symptoms are typically localized in the chest close to the heart and can be misdiagnosed as indigestion considering the symptoms of both conditions are felt in the same area. Typical angina symptoms include aching, burning, discomfort, heaviness, pressure, or a squeezing sensation in or around the heart. Heart attack pain, on the other hand, can affect not only the chest and heart areas but also the arms, jaw, stomach, back, or neck. Many patients who have suffered a heart attack reported numbness or stiffness in their left arm that was simultaneous with chest pain. If any of these symptoms are present alongside chest pain, they likely are indicating a patient is experiencing a heart attack.

Angina Pain Dissipates After Rest

Heart attack pain is persistent, and there is little one can do to relieve it other than receiving emergency medical treatment at a hospital. Angina pain can often be relieved by resting and the patient allowing their heart rate to return to normal. Individuals experiencing chest pain should immediately stop any physical activity and rest for a few minutes to determine whether chest pain is simply due to angina or if it is a sign a heart attack is going to occur.

Patients should also be aware there is another type of angina pain called unstable angina, which is chest pain that occurs when an individual is at rest or not very active, and the pain can be strong, long-lasting and happen frequently. If a patient experiences unstable angina, it is a clear sign they are going to suffer a heart attack, and should seek medical attention immediately.