Angina vs. Heart Attack: Symptoms & Key Differences

Angina and heart attacks are both caused by a reduction of blood flow to the heart. However, there are some key differences between the symptoms of the two conditions.

Angina

* Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness

* Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, back, or jaw

* Shortness of breath

* Nausea or vomiting

* Lightheadedness or dizziness

* Fatigue

* Sweating

Heart attack

* Chest pain or discomfort that is severe and does not go away

* Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, back, or jaw

* Shortness of breath

* Nausea or vomiting

* Lightheadedness or dizziness

* Fatigue

* Sweating

* Loss of consciousness

It is important to note that not all of these symptoms will be present in every case of angina or heart attack. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Risk factors for angina and heart attack

There are a number of risk factors for angina and heart attack, including:

* Age (risk increases with age)

* Sex (men are more likely to have heart attacks than women)

* Family history of heart disease

* High blood pressure

* High cholesterol

* Diabetes

* Obesity

* Smoking

* Physical inactivity

* Stress

If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of angina and heart attack.