Angina is a typically sporadic chest pain that can sometimes be confused with a heart attack, so it's very important to learn to differentiate the two. Learn more about how to recognize the differences between angina and a heart attack by reading below and contacting your Houston, TX, heart expert, Dr. Swati Gupta of the SKG Heart Center.

Angina and Heart Attack

Angina is not a heart condition or disease but is commonly a symptom of an underlying heart problem, a warning sign that something is wrong. It is often a sign of coronary artery disease resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart.

Otherwise known as a myocardial infarction, a heart attack occurs when the normal flow of blood to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that the heart muscle is either damaged or dies. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention from emergency services.

Key Differences

While both angina and heart attacks involve the same main symptom, chest pain, key differences differentiate the two. Angina pain will often subside with rest or medication, but a heart attack will persist until the patient receives emergency medical intervention.

Pain from a heart attack will usually be much more severe than angina pain and are likely to include other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.

It's always important to err on the side of caution if you are experiencing chest pain; even if the pain subsides, angina symptoms are a sign to seek help to prevent future complications.

Angina Treatment in Houston, TX

To learn more about how to remain proactive about your health and prevent angina and other heart problems, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gupta of the SKG Heart Center in Houston, TX, by dialing (713) 623-6555.