What Is The Difference Between Acute Myocardial Infarction And Angina Pectoris
Acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris are two diseases of the heart which are caused by a disturbance in the heart's arteries. This causes a lack of oxygen and low blood flow to the heart, leading to different consequences depending on the disease.
Although both are coronary diseases and they do have their similarities, there are also some stark differences between them. In this OneHowTo article, we explain What are the differences between acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.
Steps to follow:
Both are coronary conditions, but they refer to different types of coronary disease. Acute myocardial infarction or a heart attack refers to a given time, however when Chronic angina is diagnosed, it is a disease for life.
Both of these coronary syndromes are caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. The difference between one and the other in terms of heart attacks, is that these arteries are completely blocked leading to the death of the myocardium (the heart muscle) and in the case of angina pectoris, a partial obstruction does the damage.
Thus the death of the muscle or necrosis during myocardial infarction are produced by the total and permanent loss of oxygenation to a part of the heart. But angina means that the lack of oxygen is temporary.
Acute myocardial infarction and angina are both syndromes that can cause intense chest pain that radiates from the sternum out to the arms, spine, neck, jaw and even the stomach.
At the same time, pain helps differentiate both cardiac pathologies; in the case of a heart attack the pain strikes during rest. It lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. In contrast, the pain of angina appears with bodily effort (exercise, sexual activity etc.). It is relieved by rest and lasts for no more than 2 or 3 minutes.
Always remember that the rest of the symptoms that signal a heart attack or the onset of angina can confuse the diagnostic approach. Anxiety, sweating, paleness and palpitations exist in both cases.
Acute myocardial infarction is a medical emergency. Act quickly or risk death. Therefore, we recommend reading how to avoid a heart attack. In the case of any any symptoms you should act as soon as possible.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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