The Main Differences Between Angina Attacks & Heart Attacks

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.