But there are key differences, too. Rather, anginal pain is a warning sign of a potential heart attack. The discomfort indicates that the heart isn't receiving enough blood. Rest or nitroglycerin relieves angina, but not a heart attack. Unstable angina, a symptom of coronary artery disease, requires immediate attention.
Strenuous exercise is a primary cause of angina attack.
So is digesting a heavy meal or experiencing extreme emotional upset. Contributing factors like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of atherosclerotic heart disease increase the odds of experiencing episodes of angina. If you've experienced angina, the following steps can head off further attacks. Consult your physician. He or she will probably prescribe nitroglycerin or another medication to temporarily dilate, or widen, the coronary arteries, thereby easing blood flow to the heart.