Not all chest pain means a heart attack: It could be angina; understanding its signs, causes, and key difference |
Angina is a specific type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often due to conditions like coronary artery disease. It typically feels like pressure, tightness, heaviness, or a burning sensation, and may radiate to the arms, jaw, or back. Angina can be a warning sign of a heart attack and should never be ignored. While angina is always related to heart issues, chest pain in general can arise from various causes such as lung infections, acid reflux, muscle strain, or anxiety. Understanding the difference helps ensure timely medical attention and proper diagnosis of underlying conditions.
What is angina and what does it feel like
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough blood flow. It is a symptom of heart disease, often caused by plaque buildup or blockages in the coronary arteries. If left untreated, angina can lead to serious complications like a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Angina can sometimes signal an impending heart attack days or weeks before it happens. Most people with angina experience chest pressure or pain that can range from mild to severe. Often, it feels like vague discomfort rather than sharp pain. Common sensations include squeezing, tightness, heaviness, crushing, or a burning feeling similar to heartburn. This discomfort may also spread to the jaw, teeth, shoulders, arms, or back.
What causes angina
Angina is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. When the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood, it can lead to chest discomfort or pain. The main causes include:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): The most common cause, where plaque buildup narrows the heart’s arteries.
- Coronary microvascular disease: Damage to the small blood vessels in the heart that affects blood flow.
- Coronary artery spasms: Sudden tightening of the heart’s arteries, which can occur even without plaque buildup.
These conditions limit blood supply, especially during physical activity or stress, triggering angina symptoms.
What is the difference between angina and chest pain
While all angina is chest pain, not all chest pain is angina.
- Angina is a specific type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s usually a symptom of underlying heart conditions like coronary artery disease. Angina often feels like pressure, tightness, or heaviness and may be triggered by physical activity or stress. It typically improves with rest or medication.
- Chest pain, on the other hand, is a general term that can result from many causes—not just heart-related. It could be due to lung issues, digestive problems, muscle strain, anxiety, or other conditions.
In short, angina is a cardiac chest pain, while chest pain in general may or may not be related to the heart.Also read | Not all breast lumps are cancerous: Here’s what you need to know about breast lumps
