The heart muscle is the myocardium and an infarct is dead myocardium, thus a heart attack is a myocardial infarct. Heart muscle may cramp when it needs more oxygen because of exertion, emotion, or exposure to cold. Then the patient will feel chest pain, chest tightness, heaviness, squeezing, burning, or indigestion. This sensation is called angina, which means a narrowing or strangling. Angina is not a heart attack, but it is the heart's cry for help.
Some people are at increased risk.
Only the patient can control obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, undue stress, and lack of exercise. When the pain in your chest, arm, jaw, shoulders, or abdomen is angina, first be reassured. A lot can be done. You can do some things that give you angina if you divide them into segments with rests between. Tasks may be harder in the morning than the afternoon and may vary month to month.