What is the difference between an angina and a heart attack?
368620
Angina--which when used alone refers to angina pectoris--is a type of chest pain that is symptomatic of underlying heart problems. It is the direct result of a lack of blood to (or ischemia) an area of the heart muscle (or myocardium), but this ischemia is temporary. A heart attack--technically known as a myocardial infarction--is when a coronary artery in the heart becomes completely occluded and this cuts off the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle permanently. Thus, the essential difference is that angina is temporary and a heart attack is permanent. Both result from ischemia of some area of the myocardium.
1141699
Best bet is to go to the ER when this happens....also there are a few other things that it could be ....but there are many things that go into diagnosing a heart attack....cardiac enzymes,ekg's physical symptoms....but just from the little that you describe it doesnt sound cardiac in nature....what are you doing when this happens?Does the pain move around or change when you change positions? Are you under stress?What is your age??If you're in your 20's for example  its highly unlikely that its cardiac at all though it can happen...There is also a esophageal problem that can mimic a heart attack or feeling of one...best thing to do is go to the ER or call 911 when this happens....the only way to definitively tell if you are having a cardiac event is by many tests including labwork,ekg's,stress tests etc....so next time it happens instead of coming here and asking the question  call 911....
949135
That's one symptom of a heart attack. You might want to consider going to the ER.\n\nOther signs:\nnausea\nsweating\nheadache\ndizzy feeling\nfainting\n"heart-burn" type feeling\npressure in chest area
1135530
Digestion problems, stress, inflammation infection, there are many things. Check webmd there is a symptom check list for chest pain. There is nothing more scary than chest pain. I hope you feel better soon.
261727
People experience a variety of symptoms when having a heart attack.  Some describe the pain as being in the middle of their chest and "crushing, squeezing, tight, pressure, or burning". Others say the pain is on the right or left side of the chest.  Sometimes the pain is excruciating and sometimes it husrts "just a little". Sometimes it extends to one or both arms, the jaw, or between the shoulder blades.  Alot of people get short of breath, nauseous, sweaty.  Some people have every single one of these symptoms, some have only one or two.  Women are more likely than men to have atypical symptoms, i.e., maybe they're a little nauseous, or their back hurts or their arm feels funny, making it difficult for them to realize it is a cardiac problem and they need to call 911....I hope this answers your question.
1093088
Being in the air conditioning hurts my chest pretty bad, I can't be in it for too long. They say you shouldn't take any chance with chest pain though. Does it happen at any particular time of the day, or when you're doing anything? Do you get short of breath or dizzy or have any other symptoms? It could just be something as simple as angina or stress, but it's best to have it checked out.
105505
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle (the coronary arteries) become hardened and narrowed. The arteries harden and narrow due to buildup of a material called plaque (plak) on their inner walls. The buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis (ATH-er-o-skler-O-sis). As the plaque increases in size, the insides of the coronary arteries get narrower and less blood can flow through them. Eventually, blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced, and, because blood carries much-needed oxygen, the heart muscle is not able to receive the amount of oxygen it needs. Reduced or cutoff blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle can result in:\n\n    * Angina (AN-ji-na or an-JI-na). Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart does not get enough blood.\n    * Heart attack. A heart attack happens when a blood clot develops at the site of plaque in a coronary artery and suddenly cuts off most or all blood supply to that part of the heart muscle. Cells in the heart muscle begin to die if they do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.\n\nOver time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle and contribute to:\n\n    * Heart failure. In heart failure, the heart can’t pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop. Instead, it means that the heart is failing to pump blood the way that it should.\n    * Arrhythmias (a-RITH-me-as). Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart. Some can be quite serious.\n\nCAD is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women.
909035
There are 1780 results in the "search for questions" regarding chest pain and probably every one of them had someone suggesting that you call 911.  Read on.\n\nHeart attacks and true cardiac symptoms almost never present as sharp pains (I would have said never but there is probably someone out there who had true cardiac pain that was sharp.)  All you have to do on this forum is MENTION chest pain and one or a couple people will insist that you phone 911 or rush to the ER.  That is probably not necessary.\n\nYou provide no information about your medical history but risk factors for cardiac problems are even more important than your symptoms since the symptoms are unusual.  The big five for heart disease are:  cholesterol, family history for premature heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.  If you are a woman and under age 40 I imagine you would have to have EVERY risk factor for you to have true coronary disease.  Even if this problem is not cardiac and you do have EVERY risk factor then (1) Its time to clean up your act - loose weight, drop the cigarettes and get your blood pressure and cholesterol treated.  (2) Talk with your primary doctor about getting a referral to a cardiologist.\n\nNow back to your question - this could be everything and nothing.  If you are really ill, use good judgement (short of breath, sweaty, nausea and vomiting, sense of impending doom) and have it evaluated and treated tonight.  If this is some sort of minor nagging sensation that just has you concerned, call your primary physician tomorrow and get it evaluated routinely.  \n\nA word of caution:  just because you go in does not mean that a cause will necessarily be found.\n\nGood luck and be well.
301057
There is a strong chance you may be having a heart attack.  Take an aspirin. The aspirin is to thin the blood and helps your heart.  If you develop shortness of breath, call 911.
788119
The autonomic nervous system is composed of nerves serving the heart, gastrointestinal system and urinary system. Autonomic neuropathy can affect any of these organ systems.(Wikipedia)\nLack of heart attack symptoms can cause delay in treatment\nFor most people who don't have diabetes, heart disease speaks loud and clear. Inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle causes chest pain or pressure, a pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, jaw or arm pain, and sweating. People with these signs and symptoms know something's wrong and are likely to seek help.\nIn people with diabetes, however, heart disease often doesn't offer such clues, so you may not seek medical care until noticeable — and more serious — complications have occurred. In other words, you can have a "silent" heart attack and not know it.\nRegular visits with your doctor and health care team can help spot heart problems before they worsen. If your doctor suspects you have cardiovascular problems, you may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). Various tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a nuclear stress test, can help assess your heart function.(CNN)\nAn insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart muscle causes angina. Angina that occurs with exercise or exertion is called exertional angina. In some patients, especially diabetics, the progressive decrease in blood flow to the heart may occur without any pain or with just shortness of breath or unusually early fatigue. No symptoms (Approximately one quarter of all heart attacks are silent, without chest pain or new symptoms. Silent heart attacks are especially common among patients with diabetes mellitus). Even though the symptoms of a heart attack at times can be vague and mild, it is important to remember that heart attacks producing no symptoms or only mild symptoms can be just as serious and life-threatening as heart attacks that cause severe chest pain. Too often patients attribute heart attack symptoms to "indigestion," "fatigue," or "stress," and consequently delay seeking prompt medical attention. One cannot overemphasize the importance of seeking prompt medical attention in the presence of symptoms that suggest a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives, and delays in reaching medical assistance can be fatal. A delay in treatment can lead to permanently reduced function of the heart due to more extensive damage to the heart muscle. Death also may occur as a result of the sudden onset of arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. (Medicinenet)\nPlease see Google search on Diabetes and Heart attack.
732276
the three things most likely to bring on a heart attack
931856
been there.........you didnt have a panic attack, but your blood pressure most likely sky rocketed!!! The result is chest pains, shortness of breath, kinda tight around your chest. You were pissed, REALLY pissed.
437074
During a heart attack, there is a blockage in a blood vessel in your heart.  Part of you heart doesn't get blood and oxygen, so it dies.  In a stroke, there is a blockage in a blood vessel in your brain.  Part of your brain can't get blood and oxygen, so it dies.  In serious cases, the blood vessel can actually burst open.  In either case, you've got serious problems.
109168
The rule of thumb is this...If you have chest pain, get to a doctor or hospital for EKG and blood tests immediately.  If it is not heart problems....GRRREAT!  If it is, you need to be treated quickly.  Anxiety can cause similar symptons as an MI and if you blow off your discomfort as nothing but anxiety....it may be the last thing you do.  A heart attack does damage to your heart...you only have one heart, do NOT diagnose your own problem!
762294
Yes.  I see patients who come into the ER all the time with symptoms acting just like cardiac chest pain and it turns out to be anxiety.  Unfortunately, it is hard to tell the difference.  I always tell my patients not to try to diagnose themselves and come to the ER for chest pain symptoms.
319690
For most people, the signs are so subtle they never realize they have "heart trouble" until their doctor discovers the fact during a checkup, or they have a heart attack.\n\nMost heart attack sufferers never had a clue until WHAM!  And down they go.  That's why it's so important to learn how to lower your personal risk of coronary disease.  Contact the American Heart Association for lots of FREE information and ideas!  Look 'em up in the phone book or Google 'em to find a number to call.
1068982
Angina pectoris refers to chest pain caused by insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart muscle.\nMyocardial infarction is a coronary artery disorder which involves sudden death of part of heart muscle due to blockage of coronary artery(the artery which supplies fresh blood to heart muscles)