How is angina different from a heart attack?

How is angina different from a heart attack?

Both angina and heart attack are a consequence of coronary artery disease. The symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction/MI) are similar to angina. But, angina is a warning symptom of heart disease, not a heart attack.

AnginaHeart AttackCaused by a drop in blood supply to the heart due to the gradual build-up of blockage in the arteries.Caused by a sudden lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. The blockage is often due to a clot in a coronary artery.Does not cause permanent damage to the heart.Can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.Symptoms last a few minutes and usually stop if you rest or take medication. You may have chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, extreme weakness and sweating. Symptoms are often triggered by strenuous activity, stress, eating or being in the cold.Symptoms usually last more than a few minutes and do not completely go away after taking nitroglycerin. Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort; pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; sweating or “cold” sweat; feeling full, like you are choking or indigestion; nausea or vomiting; lightheadedness; extreme weakness; anxiety; fast or irregular heartbeat.Emergency medical attention is not needed. Call your doctor if you have not had symptoms before or if your symptoms have gotten worse or happen more often.Emergency medical attention is needed if symptoms last longer than 5 minutes.