Chest pain is often worrying, increasing the risk of a heart attack. However, there is another condition, called angina pectoris, which can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack but is less dangerous if managed properly.

Dr Pradeep Kumar D, senior consultant, cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwantpur, explained that angina is a pressing or squeezing pain in the chest caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to conditions such as ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.

Dr. Kumar said, “Angina symptoms usually occur during physical exertion, such as walking or exercising, when the heart’s oxygen demand increases. These events usually subside within 5 to 10 minutes of rest.” She goes.”

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, which is usually triggered by physical activity and subsides at rest.

This does not damage the heart muscles. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is completely blocked, causing muscle damage and requiring immediate medical attention.

This characteristic differentiates angina from a heart attack, where pain persists even at rest and can lead to significant damage to the heart muscle if not treated promptly.

types of angina

There are two main types of angina: typical and atypical.

“Typical angina occurs during exertion and resolves with rest, while atypical angina involves pain without exertion that may spread to the back, arms, jaw, or teeth. Some people do not feel pain, But instead one experiences fatigue or shortness of breath, which is called angina,” explained Dr. Kumar.

Unlike a heart attack, angina does not cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. However, its symptoms should not be ignored.

“Although angina is less dangerous than a heart attack, it does indicate an underlying problem with blood flow to the heart that requires evaluation and management,” advises Dr. Pradeep.

diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing angina often involves non-invasive tests to detect blood vessel blockages and assess affected areas of the heart.

Dr. Kumar said, “For patients whose symptoms persist despite medication or whose tests reveal significant risk to the heart muscle, a coronary angiogram is recommended. This procedure helps identify blockages and “Helps guide treatment.”

Angina serves as a warning sign, indicating the need for lifestyle changes and medical management to prevent complications such as heart attacks.

Early detection and prompt care are important to maintain heart health.