The Main Differences Between Angina Attacks & Heart Attacks

The Difference Between Symptoms

Angina is most often described as a dull ache in the chest, where the pain is localized in and around the heart and is unaccompanied by any other symptoms. Heart attacks, on the other hand, present themselves as a variety of symptoms and sensations. Individuals who have suffered a heart attack often report feeling lightheaded and suddenly becoming sweaty or clammy. Heart attacks are frequently accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur while an individual is experiencing chest pain, it is a good indicator they might be experiencing a heart attack.

Angina Pain Can Be Relieved With Medications

Angina is often a chronic problem that can come and go based on an individual's stress and activity levels. Considering angina does not cause any lasting damage to the heart, individuals with angina are still free to enjoy any physical activity they can handle. For this reason, patients with a history of angina are often prescribed nitroglycerin tablets. This medication can relieve chest pain associated with angina in just a matter of minutes. Heart attack pain, meanwhile, is not simply relieved by taking nitroglycerin, but rather an acetylsalicylic acid and other blood-thinning medications that may ease the pain until the patient reaches a hospital.