Heart Attack Versus Angina

There can be times when you need to know if you or someone else is having a heart attack or if the symptoms simply represent angina. The problem is that the symptoms between these two conditions can be similar. Any cardiologist will tell you that knowing the difference between the two, and getting the medical care needed if it is a heart attack, are keys to living longer.

Heart Attack Facts:

The Center for Disease Control report that over 710, 000 people in America suffer from heart attacks each year. These attacks occur when blood flow is reduced or stopped to the heart. In many cases, it is a clot within an artery that causes the problem. When this is the case, a cardiologist must be consulted for treatment.

Of those having a heart attack, chest pain is the most often reported symptom. Chest pain is often referred to as angina. But not all angina is caused by a heart attack. Chest pain is often described as: squeezing, pressure, burning, tightness, fullness, or general discomfort. In women, especially, other descriptions include: palpitations, indigestion, numbness in hands, nausea, and excessive fatigue.

What is Angina?

Your cardiologist would tell you that in simple terms angina is a warning sign from your body that something is going wrong with your heart and it shows you this by causing pain in your chest. Angina is most often brought about because of a reduction of blood to the heart because of narrowed arteries, for example. Your body needs a certain amount of blood flowing through the heart to work properly, and if it does not get that amount of blood, it let’s you know. Angina can be brought on by physical exertion, heavy meals, emotional swings, and extreme cold or hot weather.

The discomfort associated with angina is often reported as: squeezing sensation in the chest, pressure, fullness located in the middle of the chest, or simply as pain in the chest.

What You Need to Know:

Any cardiologist will tell you that even if you only have angina symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Angina, as mentioned above, is a warning sign that something is going wrong and you need to have it checked out by a cardiologist. Angina generally does not “just go away” on its own. If you have a blood clot that is restricting blood flow, that condition must be treated medically or you run the risk of having a true heart attack. It is also good to keep in mind that the longer you put off medical attention for your chest pain, the worse the condition may become.

If you live in or around Phoenix, and you are having chest pains of any nature, consider visiting with Dr. Yasir Batres, MD, at the Arizona Heart Doctor clinic. By carefully examining you and running a few tests, the staff at Arizona Heart Doctor can develop a medical plan for you that may help you live better and live longer. Remember, angina should never be ignored.