Angina vs. Myocardial Infarction (MI): What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between angina and myocardial infarction (MI) is important for your heart health. Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Myocardial infarction, also called a heart attack, happens when blood flow to the heart stops completely. Both conditions can cause chest pain, but they are not the same. In this blog, we will explain angina vs heart attack, symptoms of angina and MI, and how to tell angina from MI. We will also cover causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention tips.

What is Angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain. It happens when your heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Usually, angina feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest. Sometimes, the pain spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina often occurs during physical activity or stress. However, it usually goes away with rest or medicine. Angina is a warning sign that your heart is not getting enough blood.

What is Myocardial Infarction (MI)?

Myocardial infarction, or MI, is the medical term for a heart attack. It happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long time. As a result, part of the heart muscle gets damaged or dies. Unlike angina, MI is a medical emergency. The pain or discomfort does not go away with rest. Quick treatment is needed to save heart muscle and life.

Key Differences Between Angina and MI

Angina: Temporary chest pain, often relieved by rest or medicine.

MI (Heart Attack): Severe, lasting chest pain that does not go away with rest.

Angina is a warning sign; MI is a life-threatening emergency.

Angina does not cause permanent heart damage; MI does.

Symptoms Comparison

Both angina and MI can cause chest pain. However, there are some differences. Knowing these can help you tell angina from MI.

Angina Symptoms:

Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or fullness)

Pain may spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back

Usually lasts a few minutes

Often triggered by activity or stress

Goes away with rest or nitroglycerin

MI (Heart Attack) Symptoms:

Severe chest pain or discomfort, lasting more than a few minutes

Pain may spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back

Shortness of breath

Nausea or vomiting

Cold sweat

Lightheadedness or fainting

Does not go away with rest

Causes and Risk Factors

Both angina and MI are caused by problems with the heart’s blood supply. However, their triggers can be different.

Common Causes:

Build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) in heart arteries

Narrowing or blockage of arteries

Risk Factors:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Smoking

Diabetes

Obesity

Family history of heart disease

Lack of exercise

Unhealthy diet

In some regions, such as South Asia, heart disease risk is higher due to genetics and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to know your risk factors.

Diagnosis Methods

Doctors use several tests to find out if you have angina or MI. Early diagnosis can save lives.

Physical exam and medical history

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check heart’s electrical activity

Blood tests to look for heart damage

Stress tests to see how your heart works during activity

Imaging tests, such as echocardiogram or coronary angiography

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether you have angina or MI. Quick action is important, especially for MI.

Angina Treatment:

Rest and lifestyle changes

Medicines like nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, or aspirin

Procedures to open blocked arteries (angioplasty or stenting)

MI (Heart Attack) Treatment:

Emergency medical care

Medicines to dissolve clots and reduce heart damage

Procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation after recovery

Prevention Tips

Although you cannot change some risk factors, you can lower your risk of angina and MI with healthy habits.

Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fat and salt

Exercise regularly

Maintain a healthy weight

Quit smoking

Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes

Manage stress

See your doctor for regular check-ups

In summary, knowing the difference between angina and MI can help you act quickly. If you experience chest pain or related symptoms, consult a cardiologist for personalized advice.