Chest pain can be confusing and frightening — especially when you’re unsure whether it’s angina pectoris or a full-blown heart attack. While both involve the heart and can feel similar, they are not the same thing. Understanding the key differences can help you respond correctly and seek the right care.

Angina pectoris is a type of chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s often triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, or heavy meals and usually goes away with rest or medication. Many people describe it as pressure, heaviness, squeezing, or tightness in the chest — sometimes radiating to the shoulders, neck, or arms.

A heart attack, medically called a myocardial infarction, is far more serious. It occurs when a coronary artery is totally blocked, cutting off blood flow to part of the heart muscle. This leads to permanent damage if not treated immediately. Unlike angina, heart attack symptoms often persist even at rest and may include nausea, shortness of breath, cold sweat, or pain spreading to other parts of the body.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Trigger:
  
  • Angina usually occurs during physical or emotional stress.
  • Heart attack can strike suddenly, even at rest.
    
• Duration:
  
  • Angina episodes are short-lived and often relieved by rest or angina medication.
  • Heart attack pain lasts longer and doesn’t go away with rest.
    
• Damage:
  
  • Angina is a warning sign indicating insufficient blood flow but not permanent damage on its own.
  • Heart attacks cause irreversible injury to heart tissue.

Knowing these differences is crucial — and anyone experiencing sudden or unexplained chest pain should seek immediate medical attention.

How Ayurveda and Dr. Ish Handa Helps

While conventional medicine deals with emergency management and diagnostics, Ayurveda plays a complementary role in long-term heart wellness through lifestyle, diet, herbs, and stress management. In Ludhiana, patients seeking holistic care often look for the Best Ayurvedic doctor in Ludhiana to support heart health naturally.

One such trusted expert is Dr. Ish Handa of Dr. Handa’s Ayurveda, known for his 15+ years of experience and patient-centric approach. While his practice traditionally focuses on issues like diabetes, liver health, and male wellness, his holistic methods emphasize balancing the doshas, improving circulation, and strengthening overall cardiovascular function through Ayurvedic herbs, nutrition advice, and lifestyle guidance.

Many patients choose Dr. Handa because of his empathetic care, personalized treatment plans, and commitment to sustainable health, making him a sought-after Best Ayurvedic doctor in Ludhiana for those exploring holistic heart-health support.