Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually due to plaque buildup in the arteries. A heart attack occurs when an area of the heart muscle dies from complete blockage of blood supply. Angina is typically relieved by rest, while heart attack symptoms may be more severe and not relieved by rest. Both can cause chest pain along with other signs like shortness of breath and sweating. Treatment for angina focuses on resting and using medication, while a heart attack requires immediate emergency medical care. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress reduction can help prevent further episodes.

1. Chest PainAngina and Heart Attacks

2. DefinitionsAnginaAngina is the pain associated with restricted blood supply to the heart muscle.Angina pectoris is a phrase that comes from Latin and translates as 'tight chest'.Myocardial Infarction – Heart AttackDeath of a section of the heart muscle, which follows interruption of its blood supply.CardiacArrestThe stopping of the heart- absence of breathing and pulse.

3. Causes and TriggersIn most cases, the cause of angina is coronary atherosclerosis: the thickening of arteries that supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart. This happens when fatty deposits, called plaques, narrow the arteries over time and reduce blood flow to the heart.Symptoms may only appear at times when your heart needs more blood supply, such as when you're stressed, exercising or climbing stairs.

4. As your heart tries to pump faster to meet your body's increased demands, the narrowed arteries struggle to keep up. The heart then receives too little oxygen, which causes pain in the heart that is felt as chest pain.In severe cases this can also happen when the heart is at rest.

5. Causes and Triggers Cont.Angina can be aggravated by other illnesses, including:a sustained fast heartbeatanaemia (thin blood) heart valve diseases such as severe aortic stenosis - a narrowing of the outflow valve of the heartthickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy), which can be a result of high blood pressure over several years

6. Signs and SymptomsAnginaShortness of breathNausea and VomitingPaleness and profuse sweatingA suffocating pain in the centre of the chest, often induced by exercise and relieved by rest, which may radiate to the jaw, neck, back and down the armsAnxiety and emotional distress

7. Signs and symptomsHeart AttackThe same as those for Angina, although often more severe and the pain does not usually resolve with rest or normal medicationUnconsciousnessCold, pale or blue skin

8. Treatment AimsAnginaTo ease the strain on the heart by ensuring the casualty restsTo obtain medical help if necessaryTo help the casualty with any medicationHeart AttackTo encourage the casualty to restTo arrange urgent removal to hospital

9. TreatmentAnginaHelp the casualty sit down – ensure they are comfortable and reassure themIf the casualty has any medication such as tablets or sprays let them administer them theirselves if possible if not help them.Encourage them to rest and keep bystanders away.The attack should ease within a few minutes.Angina lasting more than 10 minutes or in someone with no history must be treated as an emergency.

10. TreatmentHeart Attack Help the casualty into a half sitting position (W position) Call for an ambulance saying that you suspect a heart attackIf the casualty is conscious give one aspirin to be chewed slowly help them take their own angina medication as necessary.Encourage casualty to rest, keep bystanders away and monitorMonitor and be prepared to administer CPR if necessary

11. A heart-healthy diet includes lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Chickpeas, beans, and soy products can help lower your cholesterol as well as olive oil, garlic, and avocados. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, can boost "good" cholesterol (nuts are high in calories, so limit the amount you eat). Incorporate fish and seafood into your meals a few times a week. Keep alcohol intake and sweets to a minimum.

12. Stop Smoking – Cut down first if necessary but aim to stop as soon as possible (2-4 weeks max)Take more exerciseControl your blood sugar – eat less sweets and refined sugars. If diabetic take medication properly.Control your blood pressureTake time to relax and unwind