Angina Versus a Heart Attack
An episode of angina is not a
heart attack, but it does mean that you have a greater chance of having a heart attack.
Angina pain means that some of the heart muscle is not getting enough blood temporarily. A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is suddenly and permanently cut off, usually by a blood clot. This can lead to serious heart damage.
Certain symptoms may indicate that you are having a heart attack. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Pain or discomfort that is very bad, gets worse, and lasts longer than 20 minutes
- Pain or discomfort along with weakness, feeling sick to your stomach, sweating, or fainting
- Pain or discomfort that does not go away when you take angina medicine
- Pain or discomfort that is worse than you have ever had before.
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