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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Angina and Myocardial Infarction?

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Angina and myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, are both associated with chest pain and can be caused by coronary artery disease, which affects the blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the heart. However, they are distinct situations that require specific medical attention.

Angina:

  • Angina is a symptom of a heart condition, such as coronary artery disease or coronary microvascular disease, rather than a disease in itself.
  • It is characterized by severe pain in the chest, often spreading to the shoulders, arms, and neck, due to an inadequate blood supply to the heart.
  • Angina can be caused by a temporary state, such as exercise, which increases blood flow throughout the body.
  • The most common cause of angina is cholesterol build-up (plaques) leading to the narrowing of coronary arteries.

Myocardial Infarction (MI):

  • MI is a more serious condition in which the heart muscle is damaged.
  • It occurs when the narrowing of a coronary artery is severe enough or causes a blockage, resulting in heart muscle damage.
  • A heart attack is often triggered by the rupture of a cholesterol plaque, leading to the formation of a blood clot that acutely narrows the artery, either partially (angina) or completely (heart attack or myocardial infarction).

In summary, angina is a symptom that can signal the presence of a more serious condition, such as MI. Angina can be temporary and is often triggered by factors that increase blood flow, while MI is a permanent damage to the heart muscle caused by a severe blockage in a coronary artery.

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  • What is the Difference Between Angina and Myocardial Infarction?
  • Comparative Table: Angina vs Myocardial Infarction

    • Comparative Table: Angina vs Myocardial Infarction

    The main difference between angina and myocardial infarction (MI) lies in the blood flow to the heart and the severity of the condition. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between angina and myocardial infarction:

    Feature Angina Myocardial Infarction
    Definition Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease, characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Myocardial infarction is a serious condition where there is complete blockage of blood supply to the heart, resulting in damage to the heart muscle.
    Pain Duration Angina pain usually lasts for 5-10 minutes and is often triggered by activity or stress. MI pain can be more prolonged and severe, lasting for more than 15 minutes and not subsiding with rest or medication.
    Pain Radiation Angina pain can radiate to the jaw and neck. MI pain may also radiate to the jaw and neck, but it can be more widespread and severe.
    Diagnosis Angina is diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and sometimes additional tests like electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test. MI is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, medical history, ECG, and blood tests that show elevated levels of cardiac biomarkers.
    Treatment Angina can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery. MI requires immediate medical intervention, which may include medications, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

    It is essential to understand the differences between angina and myocardial infarction to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, it is crucial to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.