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$Title{Is Angina and Heart Attack the Same Thing?}
$Subject{heart attack pain angina medication circulatory system oxygen muscles
narrowing coronary arteries atherosclerosis cholesterol nitroglycerin attacks
medications medicine medicines pains muscle narrow myocardial infarction
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$Volume{G-3,R-3}
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Atherosclerosis of Arteries*0009301.scf
Complications of Atherosclerosis*0009401.scf
The Heart's Blood Supply*0008901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Angina and Heart Attack the Same Thing?


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QUESTION:  If a chest pain can be either angina or a heart attack, does this
mean they are both the same thing?  I take nitroglycerin tablets for my
angina.  Is this all right?  I don't want to be taking the wrong thing.

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ANSWER:  Angina is chest pain caused by a lack of oxygen to the muscles of the
heart.  This occurs when there is a narrowing of the coronary arteries, the
arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the muscles of the heart.  This
narrowing may be due to either a spasm of the artery walls or to
atherosclerosis, the partial clogging caused by deposits of cholesterol.
     Yes, angina may be related to a heart attack.  In angina, the partial
cut-off in blood supply to the heart usually reverses itself and the pain goes
away; the heart muscle is not damaged.  If the coronary arteries become
completely closed off or blocked, then the area of the heart which can no
longer receive oxygen or nutrients is permanently damaged and dies, and that
is a heart attack.  Nitroglycerin tablets or preparations are commonly used to
treat angina.  If angina pain lasts more than 30 minutes and if taking
nitroglycerin does not make the pain go away, get medical help immediately.
Although angina may be a warning sign for a heart attack, many people who
suffer from occasional angina never suffer a real attack.  However, I am sure
you would agree that when in doubt the prudent action is to quickly obtain the
medical care you may need.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.