What is the difference between Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction?

Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction are two medical conditions affecting the heart, but there are some differences between the two. Angina pectoris refers to an intermittent crushing chest pain which is caused by ischemia or the disturbance in blood circulation caused by the mechanical obstruction of the blood supply to the myocardium of the heart.

On the other hand, myocardial infarction is caused by the death of the heart muscles; as a result, there is an interruption in the supply of blood to the heart. Myocardial infarction is often called a heart attack. It has been researched that if angina pectoris is left untreated, it can result in myocardial infarction. This is because the obstruction of the blood supply to the myocardium of the heart will lead to the death of the myocardial cells. Although both conditions can be detected using an electrocardiogram, angina pectoris is confirmed if the electrocardiogram test results indicate an ST-segment depression, whereas myocardial infarction indicates an ST-segment elevation or depression, and a wave inversion.

Angina and myocardial infarction are both two different heart issues. The myocardial infarction is the one that can be deadly. It might even lead to an abrupt end to a person’s life. Angina pectoris is technically chest pain and is the result of ischemia, which is the reduction in the blood supply to the myocardium of the heart of the coronary arteries.

Fortunately, the pain caused by angina is quite treatable. It can be relieved with nitroglycerin and rest. Myocardial infarction, on the contrary, is a medical emergency commonly called a heart attack. It is the result of the death of myocardial cells from a faulty oxygen supply. The pain in this condition is unfathomable. The pain often shoots from the heart to the shoulders, jaw, neck, or back. Unfortunately, this condition is not relieved by nitroglycerin. Those who recover from a heart attack will typically have to change their lifestyle and eat healthy with low salt, low cholesterol, and low- fat diet.