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Last Updated on May 1, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Angina is a symptom, whereas a heart attack is a health condition. People experience angina when there is a decrease in oxygen supply to the heart. A heart attack is a consequent damage to the heart. Decreased oxygen supply occurs due to the blocked flow of blood to the heart, which further causes damage. With no blood, tissues lose oxygen and are unable to function normally. This condition induces angina pain. The more time that passes with no oxygen to the tissues, the greater the damage that occurs to the heart muscle resulting in a heart attack. In this article, we will explain whether people can differentiate between angina pain and heart attack on their own, and other related questions.
In what ways can I differentiate between angina pain and heart attack?
You cannot exactly differentiate between angina pain and a heart attack. An angina attack comes with a set of symptoms very similar to a heart attack. It is not always easy for people to differentiate between the two if they are experiencing the pain for the very first time, with no medical history of heart attack. If you experience any pain around your heart, consult your doctor immediately. Do not try to self-diagnose your condition. This may cause a loss of crucial treatment time and endanger your life.
why does angina pain radiate to the left arm?
The left arm is one of the areas where angina pain can radiate because the nerves that supply the heart also supply the left arm. When there is a low blood flow to the heart, the nerves in the affected area can become irritated or stimulated, causing pain or discomfort that may radiate to the left arm.
Additionally, the heart and the left arm share some common nerve pathways, which can cause referred pain. Referred pain occurs when there is pain in a different part of the body from where the problem is actually occurring. In the case of angina, you may feel the pain in the left arm even though the problem is in the heart.
It’s important to note that not all cases of left arm pain are related to angina or heart problems. Left arm pain can also be caused by other conditions, such as nerve or muscle problems, injury, or inflammation. If you are experiencing left arm pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment because health can deteriorate drastically if angina is left untreated.
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