How can you distinguish between a heart attack and angina?

The distinction between a heart attack and angina is crucial for appropriate treatment and response. Angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, and this discomfort typically occurs during activities that put extra stress on the heart, such as exercise or emotional stress. One of the key features of angina is that it usually subsides with rest or medication, indicating that the reduced blood flow is temporary and can be alleviated when the heart is not under stress.

In contrast, a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked for an extended period, leading to damage to the heart muscle. The pain or discomfort associated with a heart attack is often more intense and does not resolve with rest or medication. This is why recognizing that angina typically goes away with rest while a heart attack persists is essential for making timely and accurate medical decisions.

Understanding these nuances helps individuals seek prompt care during a heart attack, which can significantly impact outcomes.