Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

When is chest pain just angina and not the "big one" (heart attack)? Angina is a fancy name for pain that originates from the heart when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen from the blood. The heart doesn’t get enough oxygen when plaque from fat and cholesterol blocks blood vessels to the heart. Partially clogged arteries cannot deliver the oxygen the heart needs. The result is pain.

A heart attack involves the complete blockage of a blood vessel supplying the heart with blood. This blockage occurs when a piece of plaque from another artery breaks off and is carried to a coronary artery. A clot forms on the plaque, completely obstructing blood flow. The result is death to parts of the heart muscle.

There are many similarities between angina pain and the pain from a heart attack. Both pains may be local or radiate from the chest to the jaws, back, and arms. Each has been described as a heaviness or crushing pain. However, angina pain will usually last about 15 minutes and not longer than 30 minutes. Heart attack pain lasts at least 30 minutes and can extend up to 1 to 2 hours or even days.

Never ignore any chest pain. Not all chest pain originates from the heart, but if you have pain that does not go away in 10 minutes, call a doctor immediately. With any chest pain, cease activity immediately until pain resolves or medical attention is obtained.

For more information, call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.