Angina pectoris Angina results when blood flow through the arteries of the heart is temporarily reduced. Mild to severe chest pain usually occurs, often after exertion or emotional stress. Unlike a heart attack, angina does not permanently damage the heart muscle. However, angina is a distress signal that you may be at risk for a heart attack. Angina also can develop after a heart attack.
Drugs can control symptoms.
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to an artery of the heart is cut off by a blockage. The heart muscle supplied by the artery begins to die. The muscle can heal, but large areas of scar tissue can permanently interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood. The most common cause of a heart attack is a blood clot that joins with a fatty deposit called plaque to block the artery. Valve disease Normal valves are flaps of tissue that open and close to permit the forward flow of blood.