How do the symptoms of angina differ from those of a heart attack?

The distinction between angina and heart attack symptoms is crucial for managing cardiovascular health effectively. Angina typically presents as chest pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion or stress and tends to ease with rest or nitroglycerin. This is due to transient ischemia where the heart muscle temporarily receives insufficient blood flow, usually during increased demand.

In contrast, heart attack symptoms are persistent and do not improve with rest. This reflects a more severe and sustained lack of blood flow due to a blockage in a coronary artery, leading to potential damage to the heart muscle. Recognizing this difference is vital, as timely intervention can greatly affect outcomes following a heart attack.

This understanding helps healthcare professionals and patients differentiate between a manageable angina issue and a critical medical emergency that requires immediate attention.