What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?
Angina is discomfort caused by inadequate blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle. A heart attack involves injury to heart muscle from inadequate blood flow. Pain severity or duration alone cannot safely distinguish them.
Details
Stable and unstable angina
Stable angina may follow a familiar pattern during exertion and improve with rest or prescribed treatment. New discomfort, symptoms at rest or a clear change in the usual pattern can indicate unstable angina or a heart attack and needs urgent assessment.
Why a home comparison is insufficient
Not every heart attack involves a completely blocked artery. Improvement after medicine or spontaneous relief does not establish a harmless cause. Assessment depends on the history, ECG and blood tests, sometimes repeated over time.
If you already have angina
Keep and follow your clinician’s written attack plan. Unfamiliar pain or accompanying breathlessness, sweating or fainting warrants emergency help. Do not attempt to diagnose the distinction yourself or drive to hospital with suspected heart symptoms.
Related reading: What are heart attack symptoms, and when should I call for help?.